A local ferryman has completed a remarkable fundraiser swimming 365 miles in 365 days and raising over £55,000 for Macmillan Cancer in loving memory of his father.

'Captain' Francis Spencer of Hammertons Ferry sadly passed away aged 74 on November 29, 2020 after battling cancer, turning his family's lives upside down.

Half of the father-son team behind the ferry service, Francis was well known across the borough for his upbeat personality, kindness and consideration.

Andy, his son, and second member of the Hammertons team, was left to attempt to come to terms with the passing of his life-long companion and during his grieving, the 365 miles in 365 days idea was born.

Team father and son: Andy and Francis Spencer of Hammertons Ferry

Speaking to Nub News, Andy said: "I needed a goal to help my grieving process and thought a fundraiser would be a good way of helping to honour dad's memory. I sat down with the family and a few ideas were drawn up but swimming on the open water felt the most personal.

"When the 365 miles in 365 days was suggested, people thought I was crazy! I wasn't exactly the best swimmer in the world and only trained for 40 minutes prior to setting off on the challenge but honouring my dad's memory was all the motivation I needed to ensure the fundraiser was completed."

The 31-year-old had set an initial target of £10,000 and within two hours of being set up, £5,000 had already been donated to the fundraiser.

As Andy set about his swimming quest the donations flooded through and the ferryman found the target being reset and reset and reseat again until he was able to land on a final one of £52,000 reflecting £1,000 a week.

Word of his extraordinary mission was soon the talk of the town and the love and support received from the community, family and friends Andy explained were crucial to getting over the line.

He added: "You hear professional swimmers say all the time that swimming is one of, if not, the loneliest sport out there. I had some real lows along the way, sat on the bank with doubt creeping in wondering if I was going to make it but the love and support from everyone spurred me on.

Andy was joined by residents and friends along his fundraising journey.

"One of my best mates Dash swam with me over 40 times, he was always up for some of my crazy ideas and spontaneous swimming times and having a companion like that was truly special.

"A few hundred people turned up for our summer cake sale and then again for our evening barbecue on my second last swim. Seeing that many people show up, cheering me on and getting involved with our fundraiser was incredibly emotional and it's taken a while to process all the love."

Andy out for a swim with his best mate Dash.

Andy started his first swim on the first anniversary of his father's death and November 29th, 2022 marked his 365th mile and the final day of his 365-day challenge.

With the large barbecue fundraiser that was hosted on his second last day, Andy explained how it was important for his very last to be shared with the person who had been there from the beginning, his mother.

Andy said: "It was one of my quickest swims, I wanted to make Dad proud and go out on a high. I'm not one for tears but Mum and I shed a few as we took it all in and reflected on the journey together, I honestly couldn't have done it without her."

Andy with his mother Jennifer who has been alongside him every step of the way during his 365 miles in 365 day journey.

Following the completion of his fundraiser Andy admitted to feeling a little bit at a lost end and had initially embarked on the Scottish road trip, the North Coast 500.

However, after a few days and a book read cover to cover, Andy opted to turn his campervan around and headed home to experience his success with those closest to him, something he has not regretted.

Andy continued: "I was in Richmond Whole Foods the other day and a man came up to me and put a £50 note in my hand saying, 'You don't know me but I've been following your journey every step of the way and you're an inspiration to us all', that was followed by countless people coming up to me whilst on a stroll in Marble Hill.

"Honestly, everyone's love and support is something I will hold with me always, I couldn't be more blessed to be part of the community I live with."

Francis Spencer was a hero in his own right, but it's safe to say Andy has cemented his own place in the hearts of those across the borough of Richmond.

The team at Nub news salutes you, congratulations Andrew!

The Hammertons Ferry service will resume from December 24th, 2022, running on weekends until March 2023.

To donate to Andy Spencer's 365 miles in 365 days challenge, visit the link HERE