Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease: ROW4MND ocean rowers visit new Seacroft Hospital facility before Irish Sea challenge

Bates and Timmins are part of a crew of fourtaking on the next leg of a mission to raise £57m over four years.

The ROW4MND team, consisting of four highly experienced athletes also including entrepreneur Matt Parker as well as accredited ocean rowing coach and Royal Marine Aaron Kneebone, are embarking on the second leg of a challenge on Saturday.

Taking place over an expected 10-day period, the route requires them to row for 24 hours a day in cold, dark and harsh conditions across the Irish Sea.

Building on the success of last year’s challenge, which raised more than £140,000 over the summer, the March leg of the 2026 ROW4MND campaign will start at Dale in Pembrokeshire and end on the Western Isles of Scotland.

The team aim to complete another leg later this year, to further funds raised for Leeds Hospitals Charity, My Name’s Doddie Foundation, and Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Mike Bates, co-founder of ROW4MND, who is based in Leeds, donated £60,000 to the build of the centre following his solo Atlantic row and was at the official opening by HRH The Prince of Wales late last year.

However, Timmins, who is also based in Yorkshire, is joining the ROW4MND team for the first time. He’s a former Royal Marines Commando, bestselling author, behavioural and cognitive performance strategist, speaker and researcher.

He said: “We’re prepared physically and mentally to go out there and face this challenge but there’s no denying that the weather conditions could be really against us. It’s going to be tough. Knowing we’re doing this for the charities we’re supporting is our motivation through those long, dark hours of rowing. It was amazing to come and meet the team here at the Rob Burrow Centre for MND, and I can’t wait to be part of the team helping to support such important work.”

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.

Director of Engagement at Leeds Hospital Charity, Sarah Griffin, said: “All of us at Leeds Hospitals Charity are sending lots of luck to the ROW4MND team as they set off on their second epic rowing challenge. The money they raise will continue to support the vital work of the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease to help patients and families right here in Yorkshire.

"We’re incredibly grateful to the whole crew and hope the weather is kind to them over the next few weeks!”

For more information or to donate, visit www.row4mnd.com