MP Mistakenly Reports Charity Rowers as Migrants

The charity rowing team ROW4MND, rowing from Land’s End to John O’Groats for motor neurone disease research, was twice stopped by authorities after being mistakenly reported as 'illegal migrants' by Independent MP Rupert Lowe. Lowe had posted about the vessel on social media, prompting coastguard intervention, but after confirming the crew’s identity, authorities allowed them to continue. The incident occurred again later following additional concerns. Lowe publicly admitted his mistake, citing constituent complaints about immigration as motivation, and pledged a £1,000 donation to ROW4MND. The crew, including former Royal Marine Mike Bates, found humor in the situation and used the attention to highlight their fundraising goal of £57 million for MND research. The team plans further endurance challenges to support motor neurone disease research.