The community in Rickmansworth has rallied to support a resident after his boat tragically sank on Thursday, December 5.
Arthur lives full time on his boat with his canine companion, Lady Ratty, who is often spotted in the local area using her wheelchair, affectionately called The Rat Mobile.
When Storm Darragh hit the UK with heavy rain and strong winds last month, Arthur’s boat became overwhelmed with water. His home, where he had lived for the past three years, flooded and sank.
Arthur told Ricky News about his terrible ordeal.
He said: “It happened in the early morning during the storm. Within seconds, the water was flowing so fast I couldn’t combat it anymore. The next thing I knew, I was up to my waist in water.
“I am devastated – I have lost everything.”
David Wilson, a Harefield resident, would often see Arthur and Ratty on his walks along the canal, stopping from time to time for a chat.
Speaking to Ricky News, David said: “Arthur’s got a good sense of humour and is a really nice gentleman.”
When out walking on the Friday afternoon after the storm, David found Arthur’s boat submerged in the canal.
He said: “I was shocked and called for Arthur but there was no reply.”
David soon found out that Arthur was receiving care in hospital.
David added: “He was only discovered as a fellow boater had seen lots of debris floating by and went to investigate – had it happened after dark, he wouldn’t have been found.”
David returned home but couldn’t shake the feeling that he needed to do something to help this man who had just lost everything.
He said: “I thought to myself he has nothing, no belongings, nothing – just before Christmas as well.”
David decided to set up a GoFundMe page to support Arthur in getting back on the water.
The fund smashed the initial £5,000 target in just two days, prompting David to increase the total to £10,000. At the time of writing, it sits at £8,905.
Arthur plans to use the money to get back on the water and whatever is left, he will donate to the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance.
He is currently waiting for the boat to be craned out of the lock – after which he will begin his journey of restoring it to its former glory.
To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/arthur-and-ratty-who-lived-close-to-stockers-lock
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