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This week marks the beginning of an exceptional journey. In an epic test of resolve and determination, six top Leicestershire business men with little experience are set to embark on a never before attempted journey which will see them travel past the Beatrice North Sea Oil Rig and Scarborough Castle, through the famous canals of Birmingham and under the Severn Bridge. This adventure will span the course of the country; starting at the most southern part of British waters; Land’s End, tackling the tumultuous North Sea, to finish right at the tip of the country at John O’Groats.

1097 miles, 12 oars, 6 rowers, 3 weeks and 1 boat; this is the Lumbers Celebrity Row.

Dominic Gomersall, owner of the Lumbers boutique in Leicester, the UK Independent Retail Jeweller of the Year and only store outside of London which stocks yellow diamonds, will finally turn his dream into a reality. Enlisting the help of several celebrities including Austin Healey, Andrew Castle, Ben Kay, Andy Abraham and Bill Roache MBE, this virtually impossible task will span 21 days, all in the name of the incredibly deserving charities Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People, The Prince’s Trust, Lifeboat as well as the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumor Trust. Dominic successfully recovered from an operation to remove a brain tumor five years ago and wanted to create a once in a lifetime opportunity in which to raise awareness and money for charities whose sole purpose is to help save and enrich people’s lives. To donate to these noble causes and support the boys on their incredible adventure, please visit http://www.celebrityrow.co.uk/Charity.aspx and click donate now!

Dominic and the rest of the intrepid team would like to invite everyone along to be regaled with stories of the journey and for a well deserved pit stop along their stretch towards the north. The second of these events will be held on Saturday 10th July at the ultra chic and modern, ‘Colourworks,’ on the banks of the River Soar in Leicester from 4pm.

Come and greet the boys as they dock at the venue. Here they will be reunited with past Lumber’s Row participant, Matt Poole. The former Leicester Tiger unfortunately had to pull out of the row due to injury but will be on hand to entertain those rugby loving attendees in the form of an intensive question and answer session with Ben Kay. Ben will be aiding the team in rowing the midland stretch from Leicester to Nottingham. Also rumored to attend is ‘Mr. Maximum’ himself, World Seniors Snooker Champion, Willie Thorne who is also a patron of Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People, former England and Leicester Tigers star Austin Healey and Uk soul singing superstar, Andy Abraham.

Show your support and put your feet up with the boys! With the proceeds from the drink sales going to charity, what a better way to support the boys than by taking in a beverage of your and cheer the boys off as they continue on their way.

For the six men in the boat, this challenge will test all their resolve and be a mental, as well as physical challenge. This event is open for anyone and everyone so come along, meet the boys and enjoy the gorgeous weather in style whilst supporting a worthwhile cause. From an idea born from a few drinks in a local watering hole, this team of six forty something men will face the reality and magnitude of the task in hand: destination John O’Groats.