Take two as rowing crew head back to the start line for epic challenge

A team of rowers who are aiming to raise millions of pounds towards a cure for Motor Neurone Disease have been forced to drastically change their route because of the weather.

The ROW4MND crew – who are inspired by rugby stars Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow, who both died from the disease – had set off from Land’s End heading to John O’Groats via the Irish Sea.

But having hit strong tides and highly unfavourable conditions, including 20 knot headwinds, the group landed ashore at Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire.

The ROW4MND crew prepare to set off from Newlyn harbour in Cornwall (Mike Newman/ROW4MND/PA)

They then retrieved their trailer and headed back to Cornwall with their boat to re-start their 1,000 mile trip via the English Channel and North Sea.

Despite the challenging weather conditions, the crew remains resolute that they will complete this challenge – the first of four over the next four years.

Co-founding member Matt Parker said: “I feel genuinely proud that we made this decision to change course, in what was a highly dynamic and evolving situation.

“We have a ‘no regrets policy’ as a team and had agreed that going for Ireland would be extremely challenging, but something we had to attempt.

“We made over 100 miles of progress in very difficult conditions.

“Ultimately, the safety of our crew and our project is the key consideration, and we knew that we had to take bold and decisive action.

“Adapting and overcoming adversity is something the MND community understand perhaps more than anyone, and as a team we are mirroring these traits everyday throughout this challenge – and we will do it with a smile on our faces.”

The ROW4MND team of Liz Wardley, Mike Bates, Aaron Kneebone and Matthew Parker before they left Cornwall for Scotland (Mike Newman/ROW4MND/PA)

Fellow founding crewmember Mike Bates, a former commando, said: “This is one of the most experienced ocean-going crews ever assembled, so this wasn’t a decision that was taken lightly.

“It speaks to the character of the crew that we are heading straight back to the start line to recommence our mission.

“Sufferers of MND and their families undergo many setbacks on their journey, and what we experience pales into insignificance compared to their fight.

“Getting back on the water as soon as humanly possible is the least that we can do, in aide of this important cause.”

The team is completed by ocean rowing coach and former Royal Marine Aaron Kneebone and elite adventure sailor Liz Wardley.

After returning to Cornwall, they re-stocked their boat, named ‘57’ after the team numbers worn by Weir and Burrow respectively, and headed straight back to sea from West Cornwall on Tuesday evening.

Former England rugby league captain Kevin Sinfield, who supported Burrow throughout his illness, 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.”

The crew aims to raise £57 million over four challenges between now and 2028, culminating in a transatlantic row between New York and London.

The money raised will be used to further research and treatment for MND, with the ultimate aim of finding a cure.