A personal challenge for an amazing charity!

AMI Marine are once again fundraising for The Seafarers Charity, this time they will take on a physical challenge with a difference! 3 years ago, Company Director Martin Cox underwent back surgery after his diagnosis of Cauda Equina Syndrome. Years of rugby, Motocross and other sporting exploits finally caught up with his body where his own mobility was on the line! Since his surgery, Martin has been recovering for the past 3 years and is now ready to test all of the rehabilitation and training he has endured! Additionally, in recent years our Technical Manager, Robin Grigg, underwent treatment for cancer and after successful surgery to remove part of his intestines, and following chemotherapy, he is fighting fit. Donate HERE The Challenge Both Martin and Robin are now challenging themselves to complete the IronButt Association challenge – ‘The SoreSaddle 1000’. They will be riding their motorbikes and covering 1000 miles in under 24 hours! This ride is a challenge generally for any rider who takes it on, though for Martin and Robin, they will be exploring their own unique limits of endurance, to complete this ride successfully. They will be supported by our Technical Engineer Tom Hayden, who will drive the AMI Van to offer technical support if required, and the usual journey supplies of food and dry clothing when if they need it. Our team will also be joined by Simon Jordan, a friend of Martin and Robin. Simon is raising £2,000 to help a terminally ill 28-year-old mother of two who needs an electric scooter and secure storage for it. You can support Simon HERE. Martin will be riding his K1300GT, and Robin will be riding his Yamaha Tracer 900GT. The Seafarers Charity AMI Marine are proud supporters of The Seafarers Charity’ and recognise the important work they do. The Seafarers’ Charity (formerly Seafarers UK) has been improving the lives of seafarers and their families for over 100 years. They started as the King George’s Fund for Sailors, providing vital assistance in troubled times. Today, they are evolving, though guided by the same powerful vision. Through grant-giving, they are bringing about a truly life-changing impact for many who work – or have worked at sea, and their families. Alongside this, they also use funding collaboration, research, and advocacy. This challenge is going to be the toughest one yet and we would love for you to get involved and show your support. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ami-marine-ltd Interview with Martin Cox Can you tell us about your challenge and what it entails? The SoreSaddle 1000 is a long-distance motorbike challenge officiated by The Iron Butt UK Association. Certified IBA (Iron Butt Association) rides are long-distance rides carried out in order to gain IBA certification. This is the introduction level challenge. The team will ride from Hampshire to Land’s End and then travel up to John O’Groats, marking their way along a route and covering a minimum of 1000 miles. What made you decide to take on this challenge? A friend of mine wants to raise money for a person with a disability in his local community. I was inspired to invite myself (and now Rob), to raise funds for our company charity of Seafarers, and to undertake the physical challenges of this motorbike trip, and being continually grateful for my mobility which was restored after my emergency spinal surgery a few years ago. What are your roles at AMI Marine? Company Director – effectively being a gopher and tea maker! What are you most looking forward to about the challenge? It’s a unique personal challenge, in fact, it’s a trip that most normal people would do over a number of days with multiple stopovers. It’s the feeling of accomplishment after testing my individual limits whilst facing and conquering the British elements. Equally, it would be a great privilege to raise some meaningful funds for families who have lost loved ones to the Ocean and to contribute monetarily to the other forms of support under the care of Seafarers. What do you think will be the most difficult part of the challenge? My back will obviously be working overtime, so I am currently training core strength muscle groups under the watchful eye of my specialists. I think fatigue will also play a role, demanding strength of mind and ensuring that it is always safety first for the riders. Lastly, I naturally prefer to ride alone, so looking out for the team and accommodating different riding styles will be a challenge for me personally. Why have you chosen to support The Seafarers’ Charity? Our industry in Maritime is often overlooked, and the sacrifices that are made by families with loved ones who work away so much of the time. The tragedy which is often associated with the sea can be so unexpended and as such, those who are affected require sustainable support. We are confident that Seafarers is best suited to who we are as a company, and that their track record speaks for itself in terms of making a difference in so many people’s lives. What has your experience been of the COVID-19 pandemic at AMI Marine? It has been an extremely challenging time – especially in lockdowns 1 and 2, where turnover was reduced to just 25% at times. Learning to work remotely has had its challenges, as in life before COVID19, attendance at the office was a mark of commitment. We can honestly say that our team at AMI have been tested in terms of their resolve, and shown themselves to be an incredible group of people who continually support all that we do as a company – including this little motorbike trip! How can people support you and follow you on your journey? Our giving page is now live, and so any form of financial contribution will be welcome, no matter the amount. We also aim to have a tracker system working, where our sponsors can dial in and see our live progress. All riders and the support van will have Bluetooth intercoms systems, and so can be contacted at any time over mobile phone from 2 am till the evening finish on the 24th September! If you want to support the AMI team please sponsor us HERE