In 1995 two ladies, Glennis Brandwood and Carol Briggs decided to try and start a group for the head injured that would provide much needed services that were lacking in the Wakefield area.  With no support from the local and government bodies Carol and Glennis decided to embark on creating a centre of their own for the long term care of the brain injured and their carers.  Starting from a small office they very quickly grew to running a Day Centre two days a week and as word has spread the demand for their services has grown tremendously.  The goal for Move Ahead is, through fundraising, to provide a larger Day Centre to cope with this increase in demand. The Centre aims to provide therapeutic employment, enhance skills and foster social well being for people who have suffered brain injury.  It will also offer their Carers a variety of activities and a vital support network to help them cope with the demands of looking after people who have suffered in this way.  As with most small local charities, Move Ahead has a constant battle to raise funds and so far have survived on the small grants that come their way. 

This project will take more funding than can be raised through grants alone and that is why Bobby Prentice, Colin Briggs, Billy Blunden and myself have agreed to take on what is deemed to be the “Worlds Toughest Rowing Race”, the 2007 Atlantic Challenge.  Our crew of advanced years, two are over sixty, are determined to prove youth is no match for age and experience and are raring to take on this epic 3000 mile journey.  Starting from La Gomera in the Canary Islands the passage will take advantage of the predominantly south westerly flowing current from the Canaries to South America as well as exploiting the surface currents created by the favourable prevailing winds.  The race window will also avoid the hurricane season in the Caribbean, we hope.  Even with the currents and wind in our favour we estimate that the crossing will take between 55 to 60 days to complete.    

By supporting this challenge you will be supporting Move Ahead not only by raising the funds they so desperately need to enable them to realise their goal but also by helping to increase awareness of the valuable work they do in the community.  On behalf of all four rowers I hope you feel that our efforts are worthy of your sponsorship.    

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Move Ahead will receive your money faster and, if you are a taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Thank you for taking the time to visit this site and for supporting our cause.  

Ted Manning