Yasper rows on with £57 million MND mission

A Leeds-based communications agency is continuing its support for a high-profile endurance fundraising challenge aimed at tackling motor neurone disease.

Yasper has extended its pro-bono partnership with the Row4MND crew into a second year, supporting the team as they progress in their bid to raise £57 million.

The four-person crew recently completed the first of two 2026 legs, rowing 250 miles across the Irish Sea.

Yasper has worked alongside photographers and media outlets to document the journey, helping secure national coverage and build awareness.

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.”

Row4MND co-founder Matt Parker added: “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. 

“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 £57 million to fight this devastating disease, but we also need to raise awareness of MND, to ensure we can create a lasting change.”

The campaign is also supported by RAM Films, led by former rugby league player Jamie Jones-Buchanan, a former Leeds Rhinos teammate of Rob Burrow, whose battle with motor neurone disease has helped drive national awareness and fundraising efforts.

The crew will complete their circumnavigation of Great Britain in May, rowing from Dumfries and Galloway to Edinburgh.

Mike Bates, fellow co-founder of Row4MND, added: “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.”

To donate, please visit www.row4mnd.com. 

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