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Simpson Travel sponsors Atlantic rowing attempt

Specialist operator Simpson Travel has become a sponsor of half brothers planning to row the Atlantic to raise awareness of skin cancer.

The duo, who call themselves the Ocean Brothers, aim to take between six and 11 weeks to complete the crossing in a 24ft boat.

They hope to raise £100,000 for the British Skin Foundation to help battle against skin cancer.

Jude Massey, 17, and junior doctor Greg Bailey, 26, from Lymington, aim to complete the 3,000-mile voyage in memory of Jude’s father, Peter Massey, who died from the disease in 2015 aged 63.

The voyage is due to take place in January, with them rowing non-stop in two hour shifts from Gran Canaria to Barbados.

Simpson Travel is the latest sponsor as part of efforts by the brothers to gain support for their adventure.

Peter Massey – Jude’s father and Greg’s stepfather – died of skin cancer after undergoing 16 years of treatment.

Simpson Travel is also donated a £5,000 villa holiday in Corsica for a charity auction, part of a dinner taking place at Chewton Glen hotel in Hampshire on November 25.

This is in addition to a £1 donation for every holiday booking made up until the Ocean Brothers’ transatlantic row begins in January.

Company owner and chairman Graham Simpson said: ‘We’re delighted to be sponsoring The Ocean Brothers and are full of admiration for the challenge they are going to undertake.

“We offer holidays in sunshine destinations across the Mediterranean, making the skincare message highly relevant to our guests, but we also pride ourselves on taking the ‘road less travelled’, much as these young men are doing.

“However, for us it means going the extra mile for our guests rather than simply taking the easier path, whereas Greg and Jude’s inspirational journey takes the concept to a whole new level – and what an incredibly brave and courageous journey it will be! It’s one that we’re extremely proud to be supporting.”

Jude said: “The support from Simpson Travel is invaluable to our campaign and the British Skin Foundation’s skin cancer research.

“It’s great to have such generous backing from a team that understands the need to explore the world with a sense of adventure like ours.”

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