Epic Atlantic rowing challenge awaits dad of two aiming to raise £1m for good causes

A 62-year-old dad has launched his bid to raise £1m for charity by rowing solo across the Atlantic.

Bernie Hollywood showed off his vessel, called the City Of Liverpool, at the Royal Albert Dock.

Bernie's 'Boat of Hope' campaign will culminate in the challenge of rowing 3,000 nautical miles in a 60 to 90 day voyage, as part of the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge in December 2022.

Bernie's Boat of Hope

In the run-up to the challenge, Bernie hopes to raise £1 million for charities Samaritans and Love Rowing, as well as to raise awareness of children and young people's mental health problems, particularly in the light of the impact of the pandemic.  

Dad of two Bernie was born and grew up in the Speke area of Liverpool and now lives in North Wales.

Over the past 39 years he has raised £42 million for UK and overseas charities. He is a world record-holder running the longest distance in 7 days and has received countless awards for his philanthropy over the last two decades.

Despite that pedigree Bernie knows rowing solo across the Atlantic will be a huge physical and mental challenge and he's heartened that the city so close to his heart will be with him all the way.

Bernie's Boat of Hope

The boat's exterior artwork was designed by renowned artist, Justin Eagleton, who has created a mural that draws together multiple images to depict a journey of mental health.

The mural also includes artwork from the winners of a nationwide secondary school art competition run by principal campaign partner ParentPay, and which includes two winning entries from Gateacre School in Belle Vale. 

The boat will be displayed directly outside the entrance to the museum for viewing by the public from 12 noon to 4pm on the 26th October. It is also believed to be the first interactive boat of its kind, where visitors can 'tap to donate' as well as tap to hear an original Boat of Hope composition created by musician and composer Ben Hughes. 

Further opportunities for the public to view the Boat will be possible during the 2022 UK tour, where Bernie will visit schools around the country.  

For more information about to Bernie Hollywood's Boat of Hope campaign, please go to www.boatofhope.com