Optical Express sponsors Atlantic rowers

Rower Neil Glover, charity founder Sir Jackie Stewart and Optical Express chief executive David Moulsdale celebrating the challenge. Pictures: Steve Lupson

Optical Express is the headline sponsor of an attempt to row over 3,100 miles across the Atlantic ocean to raise money to find a cure for dementia.

Jason Black, 52, and Neil Glover, 60, set off on 3 January and are travelling completely unsupported on a small rowing boat. They will spend a gruelling 45 to 55 days crossing the Atlantic in aid of Race Against Dementia. The charity, founded by three-time Formula One world champion Sir Jackie Stewart following his wife Lady Stewart’s dementia diagnosis, funds pioneering research. More than 55m people across the world have the condition.

Neil said: “I have endured relentless physical training day in, day out for over a year to prepare for this monumental event. Rowing the Atlantic Ocean is an incredibly demanding mental and physical challenge. 

“It’s a privilege to be able to compete in this event and I want to test the limits of what I can endure. Leaving a legacy and making a difference to help find a cure for dementia is what will keep us going through those long, tough days and weeks – if we can help just one soul then it will be worth it.”

David Moulsdale, founder and chief executive of Optical Express, said: “Optical Express and the Moulsdale Foundation are proud to have been a long-term supporter of Race Against Dementia, as we recognise the charity’s vital work to accelerate global research into this devastating disease. It’s fantastic to see Jason and Neil join the race to find a breakthrough cure, and to see how deeply committed they are to the cause.” 

The pair will also collect data to help better understand microplastic pollution in the Atlantic. A study by Optical Express suggests 97% of contact lens wearers dispose of the products incorrectly, flushing them away or putting them in the bin. 

David said: “We are also proud of the challenge’s commitment to environmental research as Optical Express has long been a leader in tackling the use of plastic and has raised concerns about the damage they are inflicting on the environment. Each row stroke will truly help to make a difference and we are delighted to support them in this extraordinary challenge.”

Sir Jackie Stewart said: “Dementia is an urgent and accelerating problem that will take ingenuity and ambition to solve. I admire Neil and Jason for taking on this tremendous challenge and would like to thank long-term supporters David Moulsdale and Optical Express for once again supporting Race Against Dementia.”

Find out more about Jason and Neil’s charity expedition here.