The Four Oarsmen, made up of friends Pete Robinson and Dicky Taylor, both Northumbrian born, as well as George Biggar and Stuart Watts, are planning to row across the Atlantic to raise awareness and money for MIND and Spinal Research.

The Four Oarsmen Web Site

Mike Young, Partner and Head of Commercial at George F. White, said: “As part of our sponsorship of the Four Oarsmen’s attempt to get across the Atlantic, we are hosting our own rowing competition between one of the oarsmen, Pete Robinson, and the George F. White team at Alnwick Rugby Club, where Pete is a first team player. We’re hoping to not only raise awareness and money to help The Four Oarsmen fund their Atlantic challenge, but also raise the profile of the charities they’re supporting as well as donations to these charities.”

The competition will take place after the Alnwick vs. Driffield match at 16.30 on Saturday 30th September and everyone across the region is invited to come along to the action-packed day to show their support.

Mike continued: “It should be a thrilling event and we are very excited about it. It’s a great way for the Northumberland community to come together and enjoy what will be a great challenge, with very determined contenders!”

Through the generosity of sponsors, the team has now successfully covered their costs of £130,000 for the boat, equipment and entry fees to compete in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. On top of that they’ve raised £50,000 direct to the charities and are aspiring to raise a total of £200,000 for the charities.

Pete Robinson added: “I’m looking forward to the challenge as it will really help to raise awareness for our Atlantic crossing and, most importantly, for two great charities who do a lot of work in their respective fields. I hope George F. White realise what they’re in for as I will not be giving up easily!”