Liverpool-born serial fundraiser and adventurer, Bernie Hollywood is set to solo row 3,000 nautical miles across the Atlantic, in a campaign labelled as Bernie’s Boat of Hope. On Tuesday 26 October, several local dignitaries officially named Bernie’s boat, ‘City of Liverpool’, in honour of his birthplace.
The ceremony, which took place outside the Merseyside Maritime Museum, was presided over by Joanne Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool, Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, and Mary Rasmussen, Lord Mayor of Liverpool.
Featuring contributions from several high-profile figures, including a children’s book ‘Bernie and Boatie’, written by Liverpool’s Natalie Reeves Billing, the 63-year-old is hoping to raise £1 million for charities, Samaritans and Love Rowing in support of young people’s mental health.
The boat’s exterior artwork was designed by Justin Eagleton, with additions from the winners of a nationwide secondary school art competition. 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.
We wish Bernie the best of luck on his adventure!