The crew of four set off from the Isle of Skye in North West Scotland on Monday afternoon, rowing underneath the spectacular Skye Bridge as they departed.

The final leg will see them take in stunning landscapes while navigating some of the most treacherous and challenging waters in the UK. The crew of four will row North towards John O’Groats, before traversing down the Eastern coastline of Scotland, with their sights set on arrival into North Berwick during week commencing 17th August.

The epic feat, which began in Summer 2026, will be completed over four separate legs, during which time the crew have had to battle stormy weather and even being mistaken for a ‘migrant dinghy’ by a prominent MP.

The crew has already raised almost £150,000 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.

Project co-founder Matthew Parker said: “We’ve been sustained through this challenge by the knowledge that what we are doing is directly making an impact in the fight against MND. This is a cruel illness and more needs to be done to find a cure. The three charities we’re supporting are doing crucial work to that end. However gruelling it might have been over the course of this feat, facing temperatures as low as 2.5 degrees and winds of over 25 knots, we’re focussed as a crew to get the job done.”

Fellow crewmember Mike Bates said: “This latest leg will take us around the Northern end of Scotland, through beautiful but treacherous territory. With strong tides and hidden underwater obstacles in our path, we’ll need to be vigilant 24/7. After an eventful challenge so far, we’re looking forward to getting stuck in to what’s ahead and hopefully avoiding any of the curveballs we’ve had to contend with in the previous three legs.”

MND campaigner and former Rugby League great Sir Kev 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. I wish the crew the very best of luck over the next week or so, as they fight against physical and mental fatigue for this fantastic cause.”

Across the three legs of the challenge to date, the crew have spent a total of 33days at sea, working in shifts to make best speed. Covering up to 80 nautical miles a day and burning around 6,000 calories each over the same timeframe, the crew will face exhaustion and pain as they continue their journey. They will be welcomed to the finish line by members of the Scottish MND community.

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

The Scottish Housing News Charity Spotlight feature highlights the vital work of charities across Scotland each Friday. To include your local charity, whether housing-related or not, send your story and images to us at newsdesk@scottishnews.com.