A team of four highly experienced ocean rowers has set off from Cornwall on the first leg of an endurance mission, which aims to raise £57 million over four years for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research and treatment.
Leaving Newlyn Harbour the team began their 21-day journey with the tide pushing them west around the headland towards Land’s End, officially launching the 2025 expedition: a 1,000+ mile row from Cornwall to John O’Groats via the Irish Sea.
The campaign, ROW4MND, is a four-year plan which will see the team take on some of the toughest ocean rows on the planet – including the North Atlantic in 2028 – in a bid to raise £57 million, a figure inspired by the shirt numbers worn by rugby legends Doddie Weir (5) and Rob Burrow (7), who both died from the disease.
Money 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.
During the three-week journey up the western coast of Britain, the crew will stop at several locations to meet local members of the MND community and raise awareness through public events as they progress up north.
The team is made up of some of the world’s most accomplished endurance rowers and includes the two co-founders behind the campaign, Mike Bates, solo Atlantic rower and former Royal Marine Commando; Matt Parker, a purpose-led entrepreneur and co-founder of the campaign; Aaron Kneebone, an accredited ocean rowing coach and Royal Marine veteran; and Liz Wardley, an elite adventure sailor with multiple global races under her belt.
Commenting on the challenge, Mike Bates, 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. We’ll carry their stories with us every mile of the way.”
Matt Parker added: “It’s humbling to finally leave the harbour and get this mission underway. 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.”
The 2025 row will be followed up with a series of further highly complex challenges, culminating in a crossing of the North Atlantic from New York to London in 2028.
Former England rugby league captain, Kevin Sinfield, who supported Rob Burrow throughout his illness and is a key figure in the MND fundraising movement, added: “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.”
Former Marine Commando and UK Special Forces soldier, and My Name'5 Doddie Foundation Ambassador, Jason Fox, concluded: "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."
