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About Lee Spencer

The Rowing Marine

As a former Royal Marine and record-breaking Atlantic rower, Lee Spencer rarely backs down from a challenge. After surviving a life-changing injury, Lee set a Guinness World Record as the first physically disabled person to row solo and unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean. And he also holds the World Record for the fastest crossing – smashing the able-bodied record by an astonishing 36 days!

Now, he’s taking on another monumental challenge: leading a crew of five wounded and injured servicemen to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic to raise vital funds for Ukraine. The journey will push the limits of human endurance, but Lee and his crew can’t do it without your help.

“Rowing the Atlantic for the first time changed my life so profoundly and positively that I now want to bring that change about in others. I need your help to make this next challenge count.”

Learn more about Lee’s story

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Why Ukraine?

Why Ukraine?

The war in Ukraine has left millions of people displaced, wounded, and in desperate need of aid. Families have been torn apart, children orphaned, and entire communities destroyed. The mission for this challenge is to:

  • Raise awareness of the human cost of the war in Ukraine
  • Celebrate the unity and comradeship between Ukrainian and British veterans – we have more in common than separates us.

By supporting this challenge, you will help bring hope and relief to those most affected by the war.

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The Journey: 3,000 Miles of Determination

Lee and his crew will be rowing for around 50-60 days, facing unpredictable weather, towering waves, and the mental and physical isolation of being at sea. The journey symbolises resilience, determination, and the power of hope.

  • Distance: 3,000 miles
  • Duration: 50-60 days at sea
  • Challenges: Unpredictable weather, sea-sickness, isolation, and mental endurance
Support the Challenge

Get Involved

There are many ways you can support Lee’s mission beyond donating:

  • Share the Challenge: Help spread the word on social media.
  • Host a Fundraising Event: Organise a local event to raise funds for #Row4Ukraine.
  • Become a Corporate Sponsor: Businesses can sponsor Lee’s challenge and gain valuable exposure while supporting a vital cause.

Sponsorship Opportunities

For businesses looking to make an impact, sponsorship opportunities are available at different levels. From logo placement on Lee’s boat to media exposure through international press coverage, becoming a sponsor offers a unique way to align your brand with a life-changing mission.

Corporate Sponsorship Packages Available

We’re offering a range of sponsorship packages to fit every budget, all designed to deliver impactful benefits for you and your brand while supporting a heroic cause.

£1,000 – Power the Journey

Oar of Inspiration Sponsorship
Your name or logo will take pride of place on the oars that power the rowers across the Atlantic, symbolising your commitment to Ukraine. Every stroke will be a testament to your support.

£3,000 – Stand With Ukraine

Ally of Ukraine Sponsorship
Your company logo will be prominently displayed on the boat, aligning your brand with a mission of endurance, hope, and humanitarian impact.

£5,000 – Solar Force

Solar Power Partner Sponsorship
Help fuel the journey by sponsoring the solar panels that keep the crew’s energy going. Your logo will be featured on the boat, and you’ll gain exclusive access to a speaker event to inspire your team or clients.

£10,000 – Steer the Mission

Navigator Sponsorship
Guide the crew across the ocean with your logo on the rudder, steering the mission to success. Plus, enjoy a speaker event to inspire your audience with stories of resilience and determination.

£25,000 – Ocean Guardian

Crew Champion Sponsorship
As a key sponsor, you’ll meet the team and receive exclusive updates, including phone calls from the Atlantic. Your logo will be prominently placed on the boat, and you’ll also receive a dedicated speaker event to celebrate your contribution.

£50,000 – VIP Navigator

Leadership Partner Sponsorship
Join Lee & Andy at a special event at the Tower of London, receive personal phone calls from the crew mid-journey, and enjoy a post-challenge speaker event. Your logo will have prime placement on the front of the boat, ensuring maximum visibility for your brand.

£150,000 – Title Sponsorship

Global Impact Title Sponsor
As the Title Sponsor, your brand will take centre stage. This package includes all benefits: global press recognition, exclusive events (departure, arrival, and the Tower of London’s Changing of the Keys), personalised crew interactions, and the ultimate branding on the boat. Plus, host an unforgettable evening at one of London’s most prestigious clubs to commemorate your leadership in this world-changing mission.

Impact of Your Donation

Every donation, no matter the size, will have a direct impact on services personnel affected by the war in Ukraine. Here’s how your contribution will be distributed:

 

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Media & Press Coverage

Media and Press Coverage

Lee’s incredible journey has captured the attention of the media worldwide. Follow the story and see how Lee’s mission is making waves around the globe.

Partners and Sponsors

We are grateful to the organisations and businesses supporting Lee Spencer’s Atlantic row. Their commitment to this cause is helping us turn every stroke into hope for Ukraine.

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Meet The Crew

Meet the Crew

Many people have rowed an ocean, but less than 10 have done it with a disability.

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Lee Spencer

Lee is a former Royal Marine single leg amputee who holds 4 Guinness World Records for Ocean Rowing.

In 2015 as a crew member of Row2Recovery’s all amputee crew of four, Lee rowed across the Atlantic from the Canaries to Antigua and into the Guinness world record books, as the first physically disabled crew of four to row any ocean.

Lee's Story
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Dmytro Rezvoy

Dmytro is a Ukrainian ocean rowing boat builder born in Lviv and has over 19 years’ experience in building ocean rowing boats and has been a mainstay in the British Ocean rowing community since 2006.

Dmytro, a proud Ukrainian has followed the war with obvious personal interest with many friends and family living there and involved in fighting.

In March 2022 shortly after the start of the war, Dmytro drove humanitarian aid including medical kits to Ukraine but the devastating human cost of the war was brought home to him when his childhood friend Ivan Gavrylko, was badly injured.

Wanting to help those that are injured and draw attention to the ‘Human Cost’ of fighting the Russians, Dmytro will build the boat for Team Row4Ukraine.

Support the cause
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Ivan Gavrylko 

Ivan was Born in Lviv, Ukraine and before the Russian invasion, Ivan worked as a Geologist and a cyber security analyst. On the outbreak of war Ivan volunteered for service in the Marine Corps where he fought on the front line.

In 2022, Ivan was injured in combat three times, the third of which was extremely serious requiring medical treatment in Lyon, France.

Ivan is a father to two sons, who because of the ongoing conflict, now live in Germany with their mother. A keen sailor, Ivan was a volunteer with Plast, the Ukrainian youth scout organization and was studying for his Ocean Yacht Skipper qualification before the conflict started.

Rowing the Atlantic Ocean with Team Row4Ukraine will enable Ivan to reengage with his love of the sea sports and regain much needed self-confidence following injury.

Make a donation
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Andy Merry

Andy Joined the Royal Marines in June 1984 and served for over 25 years retiring as WO 2nd Class, Sergeant Major. Andy served on Operational tours of Africa, Belize, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Northern Ireland and volunteered for Special Duties.

In July 2013, Andy Joined the Tower of London as a Yeoman Warder where he was involved in the Laying in State of HM Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and took part in the Coronation of HM King Charles III in May 2023.

Andy is a volunteer Lifeboat Crewman on Tower Lifeboat on the River Thames.

Diagnosed with Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis in March 2016, he climbed Mont Blanc in June 2017 and raised £60,000 for the MS Trust and Royal Marines Charity. A committed charity fundraiser, he is looking forward to the challenge of rowing an ocean and raising as much money and awareness as he can for a great cause.

Support the challenge
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Semen Lagun (Sam)

Sam was born in Zarichne, Rivne, Ukraine, graduated from Lviv’s Law Faculty at Ivan Franko University and then worked as a construction site manager. Sam joined the Territorial Defence near Lviv Airport in February 2022, straight after the Russian invasion.

In August 2022, whilst operating near the town of Mar’inka in the Donetsk region with Special Operations Forces, Sam initiated an anti-personnel mine, losing a large part of his foot. Whilst recovering in March 2023, Sam learnt of the death of two tow close friends, Andrii, and Vasyl.

He carries their memories with him every day and they have inspired him to Row across the Atlantic with Team Row4Ukraine.

Get involved today
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Derman Ihor Olehovych (Igor)

Igor joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces in 2009 and then deployed to the Luhanska region and then the Donetska region, where he sustained a concussion in an intense artillery battle.

In January 2017, Igor was injured by an anti-infantry mine that resulted in the amputation of his right leg below the knee. After rehabilitation, he mentored young officers in training and in 2018, Igor made the difficult decision to leave the army.

Igor re-enlisted as the threat from Russia increased and hasfought alongside able-bodied servicemen in the Khersonska region, despite having only one leg.

Igor and his elder brother Yaroslav, an officer in the Ukrainian army, dreamed of buying a yacht and sailing the Ocean together when the war is over. Yaroslav has been missing in action since April 2023. He was fighting the Russians in Bahmut.

Support the cause
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A Boat Like No Other

Engineered for the Extraordinary

This incredible vessel is more than just a boat—it’s a symbol of resilience and innovation, specially adapted for a crew overcoming physical challenges to take on the Atlantic. Built in Ukraine and meticulously fitted out in Scotland, this 11-metre, ¾ tonne powerhouse is designed for endurance and survival in the harshest ocean conditions.

Equipped with the latest in maritime technology, including the Raymarine navigation suite and Iridium satellite communication system, the crew will always be connected, even in the most remote stretches of the Atlantic. Powered by 520-watt solar panels, the boat is self-sustaining, generating all the energy needed for their essential equipment.

With space for 3 people resting at any time and 2 oarsmen propelling the journey forward, this boat is a testament to teamwork and determination. Each rower will fuel their body with 6,000 calories per day, from the 60 days of rations stored on board, ensuring they have the strength to battle the elements.

Every detail has been carefully crafted, from the boat’s solar energy system to its specialised design for a disabled crew, proving that with the right preparation, anything is possible.

Our Media Partner

We have partnered with Iridium who will facilitate all media from the Atlantic, including video, image and voice that could include your logo and branding.

For all media enquiries please contact: laura@greenroomadvisory.com

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Lee's Previous Expeditions

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The Triathlon of Great Britain

Learn more
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The First Solo Atlantic Crossing

Learn more
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Row2Recovery Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge

Learn more

Enquire About Corporate Sponsorship

Align your brand with us, sharing support and an inclusive message for the people of Ukraine. We’d love you to be part of the adventure. Contact us to discuss how we can help you and your company and bring you along on our journey.