Mansfield Building Society has made a £1,000 donation to Oar Blimey, a fundraising challenge in support of those living with dementia.

Coincidently, The Mansfield, whose charity partner for 2023 is the Alzheimer’s Society, jumped at the chance to offer support to the initiative.

Setting off from Portugal on 1st December, skipper George Nelson and his brother-in-law, Russ Davis, will row unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean to Sint Maarten in the Caribbean – a total of 3,500 nautical miles.

They decided to take on the challenge when George, whose mother lives with dementia, wanted to do more to help those affected by the condition in the Mansfield area. Oar Blimey has chosen to direct its fundraising towards two causes that support people with dementia and their carers – Our Dementia Choir and Mansfield’s Ladybrook Enterprises.

To keep the boat moving 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the team will alternate through a continuous cycle of rowing for two hours, followed by two hours rest. As well as testing their physical endurance to the maximum, the challenge will simultaneously test their mental endurance – something George feels mirrors what dementia sufferers experience every day.

“One in 11 people over the age of 65 are diagnosed with dementia, with symptoms including memory loss, reduced mental agility, trouble communicating and mood swings, to name a few,” he said. “But what is so often not understood is the extra support dementia sufferers need, usually from family members and friends. Ensuring everyone has the resources they need to keep going is vital.

“Self-funding this challenge means the blisters, salt rashes and sleep deprivation will all be worth it when we put every single penny we raise right where it’s so desperately needed.”

Richard Crisp, commercial development executive for the Mansfield, commented: “Dementia can affect all aspects of a person’s life, as well as those around them. But with the right help and support, many people can, and do, live well with Dementia. Keeping in touch with people and engaging in social activities, such as the Dementia Choir, is great for mental wellbeing.

“What Oar Blimey are going to endure in the name of Dementia is astounding and the Society is privileged to be a part of such a spectacular show of selflessness by George and Russ.”

If you would like to support them, you can donate at oarblimey.co.uk.

You can also keep up to date with the expedition from start to finish on their website or by following their Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram channels – just search for Oar Blimey.

To read more about the society’s community donations, visit mansfieldbs.co.uk/latest-news

Pictured is Mansfield Building Society mascot Stanley and Oar Blimey skipper George Nelson.