Leeds-based Yasper has extended its pro-bono support for a £57m charity rowing team – which were last year mistaken for illegal migrants on a dinghy.
The Row4MND team are taking on 4 challenges over 4 years to raise awareness and funds for Motor Neurone Disease. They’re targeting £57m because of the numbers worn by rugby legends Doddie Weir (5) and Rob Burrow (7).
The team of 4 called on the skills of Yasper last year when Great Yarmouth MP, Rupert Lowe “misidentified” the 4 rowers as illegal migrants heading to the UK.
“Given the expertise and support Yasper showed for our cause in 2025, we didn’t hesitate in deciding we wanted them on board again for our 2026 challenge,” said Row4MND co-founder Matt Parker.
“Their ability to tell our story in a compelling way, and get across just how tough this challenge is, has been invaluable. We’re raising £57m to fight this devastating disease, but we also need to raise awareness of MND, to ensure we can create a lasting change.”
Yasper worked closely with local photographers and news outlets as the crew made progress on their journey.
Also engaged in the campaign is RAM Films, owned by Jamie Jones-Buchanan, the former teammate of Rob Burrow, who died from the disease.
“Our team extends way beyond the four guys in the boat. Not only do they get just how physically demanding this challenge is, but they’re also able to respond to dynamic situations at speed, something you need when you’re facing unpredictable conditions at sea. It’s great to know they have our back,” added co-founder Mike Bates.
Kayley Worsley, Senior Consultant at Yasper said:
“We’re proud to be supporting this incredible cause and the individuals who are leading the charge. Over the ten-day row this March, our outreach secured the crew almost 700 individual pieces of coverage, giving them exposure across print, broadcast and online. We played to Yasper’s strengths by understanding the landscape and helping develop lines we knew would cut through. MND is a terrible illness and anything we can do to shine a light on it is a cause worth fighting for.”
The crew will compete their circumnavigation of Great Britain in May, when they row from Dumfries and Galloway to Edinburgh.
[Photo credit: Athena Agency]
