(Mike Newman via SWNS)
By Casey Peton
A team of rowers have kicked off their four-year expedition - and are attempting to raise a world record of ($76M) £57m by rowing from New York to London.
The skilled team - Aaron Kneebone, Liz Wardley, Mike Bates and Matt Parker - set off on their first challenge on July 25 - rowing from Land's End to John O’Groats.
The team's four year plan will see them row back to Land's End from John O'Groats in 2026, go from California to Hawaii in 2027 and from New York to London in 2028.
The campaign, ROW4MND, is all to raise $76M (£57million) for Motor Neuron Disease (MND) - representing rugby stars Rob Burrow and Doddie Weir who passed away from the condition.
Speaking on Friday, Mike, a former Royal marine commando and co-founder of the campaign, said: “Today’s launch is the start of something far bigger than a rowing expedition.
“I co-founded ROW4MND to take real action for Rob, for Doddie, and for the thousands of people and their families who need a breakthrough.
Crew members Aaron Kneebone, Liz Wardley, Mike Bates and Matt Parker. (Mike Newman via SWNS)
“We’ll carry their stories with us every mile of the way.”
MND is a life-shortening illness that affects the brain and spinal cord, it eventually leads to weakness of muscles and impacts a person's ability to walk, eat, drink and breathe.
During the 21-day journey up to Land’s End in the Western coast of Britain, the crew plan to stop at several locations to meet members of the MND community and raise awareness.
Matt Parker, CEO of Babble and co-founder of ROW4MND, said: “This is a show of strength and solidarity for the MND community and for everyone who refuses to give up hope.
“This is just the beginning of a four-year journey, and we’re ready to give it everything we’ve got, every step of the way.”
Years one and two will see the crew travel around Britain's coast. Year three, in 2027, they will go from California to Hawaii and finish in year four, 2028, rowing across the Atlantic from New York to London.
They aim to be the first to ROW this distance - but have the expertise of adventure sailor Liz and rowing coach and Royal Marine veteran Aaron to help them.
The inspiration to raise £57 million comes from the shirt numbers worn by rugby legends Doddie Weir -5 - and Rob Burrow, 7.
(Mike Newman via SWNS)
Former England rugby league captain, Kevin Sinfield, who supported Rob Burrow throughout his illness and is a key figure in the MND fundraising movement, is in full support of this campaign.
He said: “What Matt, Mike and the ROW4MND crew are doing is nothing short of extraordinary.
“It’s a powerful show of commitment, not just to raising funds, but to carrying the legacy of two incredible men who, before and after their fight with MND.
“Every stroke they row sends a message that the MND community is not alone and I’m proud to support them.”
The money that's raised will go to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, Motor Neurone Disease Association, and Leeds Hospitals Charity to fast-track new research and support those living with the condition.
Former Marine Commando and UK Special Forces soldier, and My Name'5 Doddie Foundation Ambassador, Jason Fox, said: "This challenge is likely to push the crew to their limits, but we all have the resilience within ourselves to keep going when things get tough.
“I wish them the best of luck with this first row and will be following their progress as they raise vital funds for MND research."
