Leeds rower inspired by Rob Burrow finishes mammoth UK rowing challenge - raising £150k for MND

A group of rowers have completed a mammoth challenge to circumnavigate the UK - to raise money to fund the fight against Motor Neurone Disease.

The crew of four, which included Mike Bates from Roundhay, spent 39 days at sea, rowing over 2,000 nautical miles,before landing at Eyemouth in Scotland at 5am on Sunday (August 16).

They split the journey into four legs over 12 months, with the final leg taking them from Skye last Monday (August 10) to the mouth of the Firth of Forth, raising £150,000 for MND research.

Previously, Mike told the Yorkshire Evening Post how Rob Burrow and Doddie Weir had played a huge role in him taking on the challenge. He said: “I was inspired by the leadership and courage.”

Across the challenge they have now travelled around the entirety of mainland Britain, including a stopover in Northern Ireland. Over the course of the row, the group have experienced gruelling conditions - and almost caused a diplomatic incident when they were mistaken for a ‘migrant dinghy.'

In August last year, MP Rupert Lowe posted a picture of the boat to X, accusing the four of being illegal migrants, and calling for "mass deportations now."

After members of the public complained, Lowe said he would "make no apologies over being vigilant," but added that he would donate £1,000 to Row4MND.

Project co-founder and CEO of Cyber Security business Xypher 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.”

Fellow co-founder and founder of Man 1, Mike said: “We’ve experienced so much during this journey, encountering temperatures up in the 30s and down to a windchill 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.

"We’re already looking forward to the challenges that await in 2027 and 2028, as we push on and take it to the next level.”

The crew has been raising money for three charities focused on the fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND): The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation; Leeds Hospitals Charity; and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Esther Wakeman, CEO of Leeds Hospitals Charity, one of the charities supported by the row said: "We would like to say a huge thank you to the ROW4MND team for continuing to support the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease through the latest leg of their fundraising challenge.

"I would like to congratulate the team on successfully completing their circumnavigation of the UK.

This extraordinary achievement is a testament to the determination of everyone involved in ROW4MND."

"Every mile rowed has played a crucial role in raising awareness and much needed funds to support MND charities.

"The money raised for Leeds Hospitals Charity will help us continue to enhance the Rob Burrow Centre for MND, by funding specialist equipment, family support services, holistic therapies and pioneering research.

“Together, the ROW4MND team are helping us make a lasting difference for people living with MND, now and in the future."

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

To follow the crew’s journey and donate, visit www.row4mnd.com or find @ROW4MND on Instagram.