Blueprint Sponsor Epic Ocean Challenge to Help Find Cure for Motor Neurone Disease

The team at Blueprint Operations has wished ‘bon voyage’ to a quartet of intrepid rowers as they embark on a gruelling 1,000 mile three-week endurance challenge from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

The ROW4MND team is attempting to complete four ocean rows in four consecutive years with the target of raising an amazing £57m to help find a cure for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

The remaining three legs are John O’Groats to Land’s End, California to Hawaii and New York to London –  the final leg alone is a distance of 3,700 miles.

Blueprint Operations has donated £5,000 to the cause which draws inspiration from rugby legends Rob Burrow and Doddie Weir, who became national symbols of courage after their MND diagnoses.

The campaign’s £57 million fundraising target is a tribute to their shirt numbers – Doddie’s number five and Rob’s number seven.

Mike Bates, founding member of ROW4MND, said:  “We’re incredibly grateful to Blueprint for their support. Four ocean rows in four years has never been attempted before. It’s a monumental task, but we’ll keep going, wave after wave, to keep banging the drum for a cure.”

Blueprint Operations, MD Andy Tipple, added: “We are incredibly proud to support the ROW4MND team – their dedication is nothing short of extraordinary.

“We wish the team every success and will be cheering them on every stroke of the way. The monies raised will accelerate research, back clinical trials and ultimately help find a cure.”

The Blueprint donation forms part of the MERKUR Community programme, which supports non-profit organisations, community groups, local initiatives and good causes.

Funded by MERKUR in partnership with its high street customers the programme has so far donated £278,170.76 to support over 114 community groups and charities nationwide.

To follow the ROW4MND challenge, visit: https://www.row4mnd.com/challenge

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14 August 2025

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