THE family of a Royal Marine who died in Afghanistan are planning to paddle the length of the River Stour to raise cash to buy a beach hut in Mudeford for wounded comrades and bereaved families.

Marine Adam Brown, 25, was killed in an explosion on August 1, 2010, while on foot patrol in the Sangin district of Helmand province.

His uncle Mike Crankshaw and Adam’s younger brother James will begin the 64-mile challenge on May 25 in their Canadian canoe from Stourhead in Wiltshire through Dorset to arrive at the Black House at the entrance to Christchurch harbour on May 29.

They are hoping to raise enough money to help buy a beach hut on Mudeford spit for use by injured marines and bereaved families.

Adam spent family holidays on Mudeford spit and his ambition was to own a beach hut there.

Mr Crankshaw, from Puddletown in West Dorset, said: “We are aiming to do 20 miles a day. It’s going to be quite a challenge – a Canadian canoe is not a lightweight piece of kit.

“But no matter what adversity we are going to put ourselves through, it is nothing compared to what the boys are going through in Afghanistan on a daily basis and what Adam put himself through. He ended up paying the ultimate price.”

A month before he died, whilst home for two weeks’ rest and recuperation, Adam and his wife Amy spent time visiting wounded comrades from 40 Commando at Headley Court and Selly Oak Hospital.

Adam and Amy, who lives in Frimley in Surrey, had been married for just eight months when he was killed.

Since his death, Adam’s family have raised £30,000 for the Royal Marine’s Charitable Trust Fund - £10,000 of which was raised at a charity auction in Puddletown.

Marine Brown was part of a reassurance patrol from 3 Troop, Alpha Company, helping to provide security for local people, when he was killed by an improvised explosive device.

To donate to Adam’s Hoofing Hut Fund visit www.adamshoofinghut.com.