Royal Navy Commander and Pompey fan walking to from Cornwall to Fratton Park on 'incredibly special' journey

A Royal Navy Commander and passionate Pompey fan will be walking hundreds of miles from Cornwall to Fratton Park.

Commander Andrew "Scooby" Plenty is currently undertaking a “physically challenging” trek from RNAS Culdrose Football Club to the home of Portsmouth FC. He’s journeying across more than 300 miles over 15 days, after starting on August 1.

“I am under no illusions how physically challenging this is going to be," Scooby said. "I'm no spring chicken, but I think the biggest challenge will be mental. The Cornish coastline will test me early on, but I'm glad that's at the start rather than the finish."

The Royal Navy officer, who has served for more than 33 years, regularly travels to 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.

Originally from the Isle of Wight, he has lived in Cornwall since joining RNAS Culdrose. He met his wife Vicky, who was serving as a WRNS METOC in the Met Office, and went on to get married for 30 years - having two children and two young grandchildren.

Scooby has been incredibly passionate about football all his life. He’s the Chairperson of RNAS Culdrose FC, Vice-Chairperson of the Royal Navy Football Association and Chairperson of the Portsmouth Armed Forces Supporters Club. The fundraising walk will mark an emotional farewell as he steps down from his chairperson roles.

Vital funds are being raised for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity. More than £3,500 has been accumulated at the time of writing.

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“I've seen first-hand the incredible work that RNRMC does across the Naval Service, particularly at RNAS Culdrose,” Scooby added. “I've also seen the fantastic support provided by Veterans Outreach Support in Portsmouth.

“I wanted to give something back to a charity that genuinely improves the lives of serving personnel, veterans and their families. Walking up Goldsmith Avenue and onto Frogmore Road before arriving at Fratton Park will be incredibly special. That's the moment I've been imagining throughout my training."

Scooby hopes the challenge will inspire others to push themselves and support the naval community. He added: “My advice is to plan early, train gradually and don't worry if you never feel completely ready. I don't think anyone is ever 100 per cent prepared for a challenge like this - but that's part of the experience.

“RNRMC reflects the Royal Navy and Royal Marines as a community - looking out for each other, looking after our own and leaving no one behind."

Donations can be made via Scooby’s JustGiving page here.