Brothers get closer to Parkinsons Ocean Challenge

Mat and Chris Cleghorn plan to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean unsupported, with the intention to better the record which currently stands at 42 days.

Their aim is to raise funds for research and general awareness of Parkinson’s Disease. There are some 120,000 sufferers in the UK and 10,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. The brothers have a member of their family who suffers from the disease, which is why they are preparing the Parkinsons Ocean Challenge.

The specially designed boat in which they will undertake their challenge is currently being built by Rossiter Yachts of Christchurch, Dorset. Once it is completed the brothers still need to fit it out with all the electronics, navigation and lifesaving equipment needed for the crossing. Some sponsors are already on board, including BP, Nexen, Transocean, Technip, and DOF. Additional support is still required, especially with regard to the provision of equipment such as GPS, AIS, VHF radio, EPIRBS, etc.

Fundraising activities to date include a Transocean drilling oil rig completing a fitness challenge in order to raise money for the challenge. Chris Cleghorn’s fiancé (due to become his wife this month) has agreed to do a parachute jump with two of her friends. A raffle will coincide with the boat launch. Some of the prizes include Ferrari and Lamborghini racing days, a glider flight, and some signed merchandise from football clubs.

The Cleghorn brothers are planning to complete a training row around the Isle of Man in the summer. They have kindly been given a boat shed by Southampton based Marina Projects to store their craft in whilst it is being fitted out. For further information, Email: rowtheatlantic@yahoo.co.uk, or visit www.parkinsonsoceanchallenge.co.uk.