The ROW4MND crew, consisting of former Royal Marines Aaron Kneebone, Gareth Timmins, Mike Bates, and entrepreneur Matt Parker, set off from the village of Dale on Saturday morning. The rowers will row 24 hours a day, expecting to take around 10 days to reach the Western Isles. The crew aims to raise £57 million for MND research and treatment by 2028.
Local community support marked the occasion with a breakfast BBQ and an escort of boats from the nearby sailing club. During their first row last year, the crew faced obstacles including Storm Floris and being mistaken for a migrant dinghy by Norfolk MP Rupert Lowe, leading them to come ashore in Dale when they had to change their route due to weather.
The fundraising effort is inspired by rugby stars Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow, who both died from motor neurone disease. Last year's challenge raised more than £140,000, and recent events have seen significant contributions. Fundraisers amassed more than £2 million for MND treatments, with the Doddie’s Triple Crown endurance cycling challenge in March contributing £1.6 million to that total. The fundraising supports the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, a charity dedicated to finding better treatments for MND. The fundraising this year is up more than 50% on the best ever ride, with nearly 13,000 people involved in this year's Doddie Aid event in January.
Matt Parker is co-founder of ROW4MND. How much has been raised so far toward the £57 million goal, the exact route and planned stops, and the current weather forecast and potential risks for the journey have not been detailed. What specific research or treatment projects the raised funds are being allocated to is unknown.