Determined Royal Navy Commander walks from Cornwall to Fratton Park in 'brutal' heat for 'life-changing' cause
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Scooby was given a guard of honour by fellow Pompey fans on his return
Sweltering heat did not stop a Royal Navy Commander from walking hundreds of miles to his spiritual home of Fratton Park - raising thousands for a “worthy cause”.
Lifelong Blues fan, Commander Andrew "Scooby" Plenty, set off from Cornwall on August 1 and completed his exhausting journey on Saturday (August 15). Supporters gave him a rousing reception as he turned into Frogmore Road just before 2pm.
Scooby said arriving at the stadium after several days and hundreds of miles of gruelling effort was an emotional moment. He told The News: “You have a vision of what it’s going to be like, and when it happens, you well up. It does mean a lot.
“There were moments where I didn’t think I’d make it. That vision kept me going. I’m a lifelong Pompey fan so this means everything to me.”
Pompey fans gave the Commander a guard of honour as he made his way towards the turnstiles. Scooby smiled and shook hands with supporters, dripping in sweat after his long trek. His journey wasn’t easy, having to camp out in the open and contend with blistering heatwave temperatures which climbed above 30C.
The father-of-two said the first thing that popped into his head when he saw Fratton Park was a cold pint of cider. “It has been a long and arduous journey in the brutal heat,” he said.
“Dorset was pretty brutal in this extreme heat. Having to keep hold of enough water before getting to the next village, and making sure I had enough electrolytes and fluids on board, was a big challenge. I set up camp every night when all I wanted to do was book into a hotel.”
The Isle of Wight native has served in the Royal Navy for more than 33 years, regularly travelling to Portsmouth FC home and away fixtures. He joined the force in 1993 as a Naval Airman 2nd Class Meteorological and Oceanographic Observer before commissioning as an Air Traffic Control Officer in 2001. He now serves as the Air Traffic Management SO1 in Force Generation Naval Aviation Division at Navy Command Headquarters.
Scooby took on the endurance challenge to raise money for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC). He has smashed his £5,000 fundraising target, with volunteers collecting donations at the stadium. At the time of writing, supporters have donated £8,700 to Scooby’s online JustGiving page.
Despite Scooby’s 2-0 win prediction not coming to fruition - Pompey collapsed to a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Queens Park Rangers - he’s ecstatic with the amount of money raised. He said the charity improves the lives of serving personnel to no-end.
“I’ve seen the tremendous work the RNRMC does,” he said. “They epitomise the service of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. They don’t leave anyone behind. I just wanted to give something back to the wider forces family.
“I’ve got one job left, and then I’ll be a veteran. They do so much around Portsmouth and Culdrose. I just wanted to contribute and do my part. I know first-hand how they help families, service children who have lost parents, and just the small things.
“They all add up. Any money that people can donate is brilliant. It’s such a worthy cause. Everyone has been so kind and generous. It restores your faith in humanity.”