MND rowers mistaken for migrants complete last leg

A team of charity rowers mistaken for migrants in a dinghy has completed the last leg of its circumnavigation of Britain.

The Row4MND crew landed at Eyemouth in the Scottish Borders on Sunday, having set off from Skye on 10 August.

The team spent 39 days at sea over four legs spanning a year in a bid to raise £57m to help find a cure for motor neurone disease (MND).

They faced several challenges including Storm Floris and being mistaken for a "migrant dinghy" by Norfolk MP Rupert Lowe while rowing up the east coast of England.

Row4MND co-founder Matthew Parker said: "We've been overwhelmed by the support and kindness of people we've met during this journey and the level of generosity shown by those who have donated to these causes.

"Motor neurone disease is a cruel illness and there's still not enough awareness.

"Much more needs to be done to find a cure, and if we can help shine a spotlight on three brilliant charities involved in the fight, that's the least we can do."

He and his teammates, three former Royal Marines Mike Bates, Aaron Kneebone and Gareth Timmins, have so far raised more than £150,000 and have more challenged planned.

Bates, from Leeds, added: "We've experienced so much during this journey, encountering temperatures up in the 30s and down to a wind chill of minus five.

"We've encountered storms, spectacular wildlife and visited every nation of the UK, meeting some special people along the way.

"With the support of our friends and families, we've deepened our resolve to do what we can in the fight against MND."

The crew has been raising money for The My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, Leeds Hospitals Charity and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Next year, the crew plans to row in the Arctic, followed by a world record attempt from New York to London in 2028.

MND campaigner and former Rugby League great Sir Kevin Sinfield said: "What these guys are doing is epic.

"Seeing the impact that raising funds and awareness to fight MND is having shows we are moving forward together."

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