Royal Navy veteran, 91, makes waves for charity in HMS Oardacious rowing boat
A 91-year-old former Royal Navy commander has returned to the water to raise money for Alzheimer's research.
Commander (Retired) Charles Wylie, a Korean War veteran, joined a team of active Royal Navy sailors to row across Portsmouth Harbour, one day after celebrating his birthday.
The nonagenarian was accompanied by Lieutenant Hugo Mitchell-Heggs and Lieutenant Commander Nic Hall, both seasoned ocean rowers.
The trio embarked on Captain Jim, the boat used by Royal Navy team HMS Oardacious to promote mental health awareness and raise money for charity.
Despite not having rowed in 70 years, Cdr Wylie quickly found his rhythm.
When asked how he was feeling being back in the water, he said: "Absolutely marvellous. A bit apprehensive because I haven't done any rowing for 70 years, but I'd expect it'll all come back again."
Reflecting on the experience, he said "it just came back naturally" and rowing again "made me feel 31, not 91".
He added: "I miss the sea, so I was in my element out there."
This isn't Cdr Wylie's first daring effort for charity as last year he completed a parachute jump with the Army's Red Devils, raising more than £23,000 for Alzheimer's Research UK.
His wife, Jean, has been battling dementia for the past decade. "It's a terrible, terrible thing, there is no cure," he explained.
"I can't do anything for her, but I can do something for the rest of the human race by raising a bit of money. Rather a lot of money I hope."
Cdr Wylie is determined to continue fundraising, with plans to abseil down Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower next.
He lives near Fareham, and served in the Royal Navy for nearly 40 years, participating in seven conflicts and serving on 28 ships and 34 submarines.
"I joined as a boy seaman in 1948 and by the time I was 17 I had served in the Home Fleet, in the Far East Fleet, the Mediterranean Fleet and in the West Indies Squadron and all over the world. I've been very lucky," he said.
He retired in 1987 as a commander but remains deeply connected to the sea.
Lt Cdr Hall, who will attempt to row the Atlantic this winter, was inspired by Cdr Wylie's dedication, saying: "We have been really inspired by Charles's stories and will remember them when we head across the Atlantic."
He told him: "There's always a place for you on board."
After his rowing challenge aboard Captain Jim, Cdr Wylie enjoyed a dinner with Portsmouth Naval Base Commander Commodore John Voyce and was given a tour of the base.
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