Crew sets sail for a formidable repeat rowing competition
ROW4MND Crew Resumes Ocean Rowing Challenge After Weather Disruptions
The ROW4MND crew, a team of rowers inspired by Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow, are back at sea after a dramatic change in their initial route due to weather challenges during the first stage of their four-year ocean rowing campaign.
The crew, which includes ocean rowing coach Aaron Kneebone and elite adventure sailor Liz Wardley, started their challenge to row clockwise around the UK, from Land’s End to John O’Groats, originally estimating 21 days at sea. However, adverse weather forced them to abandon the initial route shortly after departing and return to Cornwall to regroup.
After restocking and re-preparing their boat, named "57" in honor of Rob Burrow and Doddie Weir, they set off again from West Cornwall on July 29, 2025, in the evening. The crew's resolve reflects the resilience of those affected by Motor Neurone Disease (MND), emphasizing their commitment to the cause despite setbacks.
The ROW4MND campaign is a four-year endurance rowing challenge aiming to raise £57 million for MND research through four major rowing legs. These include the UK circumnavigation, a Trans-Pacific crossing, and a record attempt from New York to London. The crew's current progress is back at sea since July 29, 2025, continuing their fundraising mission.
The crew's first challenge is a 1,000-mile trip via the English Channel and North Sea. Despite strong tides and unfavorable conditions, including 20 knot headwinds, they made over 100 miles of progress in very difficult conditions. Every stroke they row sends a message that the MND community is not alone.
Matt Parker, a co-founding member of the crew, is proud of the decision to change course in a dynamic and evolving situation. He stated that the safety of the crew and the project is the key consideration, and they knew they had to take bold and decisive action.
Mike Bates, a former commando and founding crewmember, supports the decision, stating that it wasn't taken lightly by the experienced ocean-going crew. Former England rugby league captain Kevin Sinfield also considers the crew's efforts extraordinary.
The crew's aim is to raise £57 million over four challenges between now and 2028. The money raised will be used for research and treatment of MND, with the ultimate goal of finding a cure.
The crew's commitment is not only to raising funds but also to carrying the legacy of Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow. They have a 'no regrets policy' and agreed that going for Ireland would be extremely challenging but something they had to attempt. They then retrieved their trailer and headed back to Cornwall with their boat to restart their 1,000-mile trip via the English Channel and North Sea.
The second, third, and fourth challenges are not specified in the provided text. However, the crew is determined to complete this challenge, which is the first of four over the next four years, and continue their mission to find a cure for MND.
The ROW4MND crew, inspired by Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow, are currently back at sea for their first sports challenge, attempting to row 1,000 miles via the English Channel and North Sea. Their sports journey aims to raise £57 million for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research and treatment over four years, with the ultimate goal of finding a cure.
