Intrepid fundraisers George Nelson and Russ Davis are taking on the phenomenal challenge of rowing across the Atlantic Ocean to raise money and awareness for charities helping people with dementia.

The brothers-in-law, who are part of team Oar Blimey, aim to raise £250,000 by rowing unsupported for 3,500 miles, from Portugal to Sint Maarten in the Caribbean.

Money raised will be shared by Nottinghamshire-based Our Dementia Choir, whose chairman is award-winning actress Vicky McClure, and Ladybrook Enterprises, Mansfield, which wants to extend its community work to further help people with dementia.

The two men are tackling the epic challenge after their family was affected by dementia.

George, an engineer, said: “To raise that amount of money, you need something that’s jaw-dropping to get noticed. For us that’s the Atlantic row.”

They will work via a two-hour shift pattern, with one man rowing while the other rests and recovers, for around 80 days.

Oar Blimey will make the remarkable journey in a Rannoch Adventure R20, which is just 6.5m long and 1.2m wide.

They bought the boat second-hand and took it on the water for the first time in April, tackling the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness in Scotland.

Their training for the gruelling challenge includes rowing on machines for four hours a day continuously. They also plan to take the boat through the Irish Sea for a week in July as a further training exercise to help give them a glimpse of what the actual challenge in December will be like.

Yet 55-year-old George said that he was more worried about psychological challenges rather than physical ones.

Isolation, claustrophobia, and sea sickness are just some of the mental obstacles that George and HGV driver Russ, 54, will face from 1st December.

“We’re going to be away for Christmas, for New Year, and for Valentine’s Day,” explained George.

“We’re going to be thinking about what it’s like at home, because traditionally these days are for family get-togethers. So that will make it harder emotionally as well.”

The two men have no experience of a rowing challenge, although George did take part in the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race in 2015-16.

He said: “I have seen how harsh Mother Nature can be and it makes you realise you have no control over it.”

Russ, who has never taken part in anything like this before, decided to join to step out of his comfort zone and have an adventure.

The pair have been refurbishing and rebuilding the boat themselves, making it ready for the strenuous journey.

Russ stressed it was a self-funded purchase, with all money raised going directly to charity.

George explained how seeing his mother suffer with dementia is what inspired the gruelling fundraiser and makes the causes that will benefit so close to his heart.

After being diagnosed, she received no set care or treatment plan, and his father was left, mainly, to deal with her deteriorating health.

“With the proper support she can live a full and active life, so I want to do something to help people with dementia and the people helping them too,” George added.

He said on a visit to Our Dementia Choir he was blown away by how transformative the charity could be to both patients and carers.

“On Valentine’s Day, they had a choir practice that I went to. I was sat with a choir member and her carer. The choir member didn’t seem to be aware of her surroundings, she kept asking what her cup of tea was and her biscuit. I could see how difficult it was for the carers, even the very basic needs like trying to help her to eat or drink was hard.

“But five minutes later she was at the front of the choir and, as soon as the music started, she had the biggest smile on her face and sang every song word perfect.

“I sat there with a tear in my eye, thinking it was unbelievable. That is why I’m doing this.”

Half the money raised will go to the charity, with Oar Blimey hoping the funding will increase choir membership or possibly help to set up a second choir.

Our Dementia Choir shows how music can help to combat the effects of dementia. Formed in 2018, it has taken part in ground-breaking research into dementia patients’ emotional responses to singing.

The charity has shown that music can have numerous benefits for people living with dementia and can give them a better quality of life. It also works to help support their family members and carers too.

The second half of money raised will be donated to Ladybrook Enterprises to enable the Mansfield charity to refurbish part of its building to create a dementia hub, making it easier for patients with dementia to have a safe and recognisable place to go for appointments.

Ladybrook Enterprises offers many activities and services to help support the community, and improve the mental and physical health of participants. These include cancer support groups, counselling services, and volunteering and work experience programmes.

One in 14 people over the age of 65 are diagnosed with dementia, with the number increasing to one in six for those aged over 80.

Dementia is associated with the ongoing decline of brain functions, and can cause symptoms such as memory loss, mood swings, trouble speaking, and difficulty performing daily tasks.

The symptoms generally become worse over time, meaning that sufferers often become reliant on family or carers to help them.

Despite there being no cure, Russ said that with early diagnosis and treatment, many dementia sufferers are still able to lead full, active lives, which is why he is passionate about helping this cause.

George added: “It would be great for us to leave a legacy of having done something to improve dementia support and care in the local area.”

Team Oar Blimey is setting up fundraising activities during the run-up to the row, including Bingo Bongo nights at Canvas, Mansfield, on 25th May, and at Portland College, on 9th August. The venues have been provided free, and all money raised will go to the charities.

To find out more or to help support the cause, visit https://oarblimey.co.uk or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oarblimey