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ROW4MND: Supporting a record breaking transatlantic row

We’re proud to be supporting former Royal Marine Commando Mike Bates, businessman Matt Parker and record breaking ocean rowers Aaron Kneebone (also a former Royal Marine Commando) and Liz Wardley in their bold mission to raise £57m to find a cure for Motor Neurone Disease (MND). The project aims to honour the legacy of rugby legends Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow, who both suffered from the disease, and wore the shirt numbers 5 and 7 respectively on the pitch.

The project will be raising money for three major charities closely involved in the fight against MND: My Name’s Doddie Foundation, the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Leeds Hospitals Charity. All monies raised will be used to accelerate research and fast track emerging treatments.

Starting with a 2025 challenge to row from Cornwall to the tip of northern Scotland, the team will set out on a series of rows over the next 3 years culminating in a record-breaking crossing of the North Atlantic from New York to London in 2028.

The ROW4MND Timeline:

2025 - First half of a circumnavigation of the UK from Land’s End to Edinburgh. Completed on Friday 16th August after 19 days, 23 hours and 880 nautical miles.

2026 - Completion of the circumnavigation of the UK.

2027 - Trans-Pacific ocean row from California to Hawaii. Anticipated time at sea 45 days.

2028 - New York to London. A world record attempt aiming to be only the third boat in history to complete the route. Anticipated time at sea fewer than 70 days.

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Supported with ThruDark clothing

Such a long and arduous journey by sea, human powered and exposed to the elements is the perfect place to demonstrate the effectiveness of our technical clothing. To keep them comfortable and most importantly protected from the elements, we’ve kitted out the ROW4MND with a full array of high performance layers from Oryon Delta T-Shirts and Siege Tech Fleeces to Wraith Hooded Jackets and Vanguard Waterproof Jackets.

TEAM'S KIT LIST:

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VANGUARD JACKET

VANGUARD JACKET

Men's black lightweight waterproof jacket

CHF 428

“The kit performed amazingly throughout (although I lost my cap as it blew off in high winds off the coast of Ramsgate - a gift for some lucky Kent fisherman!)”

Mike Bates | Former Royal Marine Commando

Leg One Completed

The ROW4MND team successfully completed the first leg of their challenge, rowing under the Forth Bridge on Friday 15th August marking the first half of their round-Britain circumnavigation. In 21 days, the team departed Land’s End before having to change route 100 miles into the Irish Sea as Storm Floris struck. In doing so, the team returned back past their start point at Land’s End and journeyed to Edinburgh via the English Channel and North Sea. Battling sleep deprivation and even being mistaken for a “migrant dinghy”, the rowers drew international attention raising upwards of £30,000 in a matter of days. 


Following media duties, and well-earned time with their families, the crew will begin preparing for the 2026 challenge in earnest. 

“This challenge has been eighteen months in the making, and 2025 was always about setting the foundations. We have twin objectives: raising awareness about this cruel illness, which will affect one in 300 people over a lifetime, and raising vital funds to find a cure. We have met many people along the way and heard moving stories from those affected by this dreadful disease. Reading the comments on our donations page has been something that has strengthened our resolve when times got tough." - Matthew Parker | Purpose-Led Entrepreneur

“This challenge is not about rowing for the sake of adventure. It’s about honouring the legacy of two sporting greats by really having an impact and giving a voice to those people who are experiencing this devastating illness.”

Mike Bates | Former Royal Marine Commando

ENDEAVOUR THROUGH ADVERSITY

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Paddling An Uncharted River In Mongolia
Paddling An Uncharted River In Mongolia

Paddling An Uncharted River In Mongolia

The expedition to Paddle the Delgermoron was first planned in 2019 for a 2020 trip.  The participants were essentially paddlers/adventurers looking for something a little bit different. The activity was Open Canoeing. Mongolians are renowned for their fear of water and Canoe sport in Mongolia is very much a niche and extremely small part of its tourism.