CASH from our appeal will provide a lifeline for volunteers working tirelessly to steer the Pamela May out of troubled waters.

Senior skipper and trustee Ben Lee co-ordinates the day-to-day running of the project and it has become a full time occupation for the 69-year-old, who used to own a packaging company in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter.

After retiring in 1994 he wanted an activity to occupy his spare time and learned of Bernard Clements -- who was building a canal boat to run outings for the elderly and sick.

Ben contacted Bernard and they struck up a close friendship.

He helped launch the Pamela May in 1995 and when Bernard died, aged 80, two years later Ben vowed to keep his legacy afloat.

"I have 50 years experience in canal cruising and owned a narrow boat between 1960 and 1978.

"I love going out on the water and fortunately my wife, June, is very tolerant because I'm often working all day," he said.

Ben, of Droitwich Road, skippers 80 per cent of the twice-daily trips and his duties include liaising with organisations who use the service, maintenance work and keeping up fuel supplies.

He cannot run the project alone and is assisted by team of hard-working helpers including two relief skippers - Bryan Brock and Peter Gross.

Bryan lives on a canal boat, at Hanbury Wharf, and has vast experience on the waterways.

Peter, of Ten Ashes Lane, Cofton Hackett, has recently been trained, by Ben, to skipper the boat.

The pair met through involvement with the Primrose Hospice and Cancer Help Centre, in Finstall, where Ben helps as a driver during the winter -- when excursions cease.

He also has a five-woman "crew" which provides tea, biscuits and ensures passengers are comfortable.

Sisters Audrey and Ivy Spalding, of Rock Hill, Bromsgrove, have been helping since the idea first hit the drawing board.

They worked for Bernard's family business -- Clements Brothers, off Kidderminster Road -- for 46 years.

Now they help on the boat three times a week and can even take the helm when required.

Peggy Ram, of Droitwich Spa, is also an original crew member.

Nita Pullen, of Fox Lane, Bromsgrove was introduced to the scheme through a friend three years ago and retired postmistress Janet Cresswell jumped aboard in 1999.

Ben said: "The volunteers are so dedicated. I can call them at short notice and they are always happy to help out."

New volunteers are welcomed but Ben needs people with very special qualities.

"Working as a skipper or a crew member requires a great skill.

"The person must be able to carry out their duties and understand the needs of passengers," he said.

Ben cannot imagine life without his responsibility to the Pamela May.

"There are many characters who have been coming for years and it's fantastic to see the pleasure they receive from a couple of hours out on the canal.

"I used to get very upset to see people whose lives are restricted by age or disablement and it's sad to see passengers who used to walk onto the boat arrive in a wheelchair."

"But I'm not complacent and you cannot let it get you down because we have a vital service to run," Ben added.

Groups which use the Pamela May also provide one or two carers and make donations.

The Hall Nursing Home, in Station Road, Bromsgrove, and The Meadows Nursing Home, in Old Birmingham Road, Lydiate Ash, have used the boat frequently since it was launched.

Ben said: "They hold many fundraising events in aid of the project and each year they give us a substantial donation.

"We would not be here today without them."

Anyone who would like to become a shipmate on the Pamela May can contact Ben, after 6pm, on (01527) 821866.