The Team
Lee Robinson was born and raised in Edmonton, North London, one of four boys in a close-knit family. His father was deaf from birth, while his mother was hearing, and together they created a loving home full of resilience and determination.
Lee was a good student, but unlike his brothers, he found academic work more of a challenge. Determined to succeed, he left school at 16 and went straight into work. His first job was at a sign company, where his quick thinking, positive attitude, and strong work ethic saw him rise rapidly through the ranks, running entire departments by the age of 19.
Lee’s life took an exciting turn when he met John at school. John’s family introduced him to water sports, sparking a passion for water skiing, windsurfing, and jet skiing. Before long, the two friends began dreaming big, the idea of jet skiing around Britain was born. Realising the scale of the challenge, they decided to start with something smaller: a Channel crossing. In 1990, inspired by the loss of one of John’s friends to asbestosis, they dedicated the challenge to his memory and raised funds for Cancer Research.
In 1995, Lee channelled that same ambition into building his own contract cleaning business with his wife, Allison. Over the years, they have grown both their company and their life together, recently celebrating 30 years of marriage and business. They have two sons, Alex and Myles, who will be supporting Lee throughout his next adventure.
Within the space of a single year, Lee also faced the heartbreak of losing both his parents, his mother after a 10-year battle with Alzheimer’s, and his father shortly afterwards. His father-in-law, a Hartlepool-based Yacht Master for 60 years, also had to say goodbye to the sea after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. These deeply personal experiences have made Alzheimer’s and MS causes very close to Lee’s heart.
Lee has always been driven by the pursuit of new experiences, ticking off many bucket list dreams, including walking the Great Wall of China, but one ambition has remained unfulfilled: the original idea from 1988, to circumnavigate Britain by jet ski.
Now, more than three decades later, that dream is finally becoming reality. With John leading on land and Alex and Myles by his side, Lee is ready to take on the challenge of a lifetime in aid of Alzheimer’s and MS charities.
John’s Story
John Duncan grew up in North London, where he met Lee at school, the beginning of a lifelong friendship that would later inspire their adventurous challenges.
He was first introduced to water sports by his father, sparking a passion that shaped much of his life. John went on to compete in various water-sports for over 20 years, excelling in water skiing, windsurfing, and later jet skiing. He especially loved teaching and introducing people to the sport, passing on his enthusiasm and helping others develop confidence on the water.
In 1990, John and Lee put their skills and determination to the test with a Jet Ski Channel crossing. Inspired by the loss of one of John’s close friends, who had died of asbestosis, the crossing was dedicated in his memory and raised funds for Cancer Research. The adventure was a daring success and cemented the pair’s shared dream of one day circumnavigating Britain by jet ski.
John later ran a successful dry-cleaning business with his wife Jackie, his strongest supporter. Together they raised two children, Jack and Alice, building a family life full of warmth and determination.
Life, however, changed dramatically when John was diagnosed with MS. The condition eventually brought an end to the water-sports he had loved and excelled at for so many years.
Liz
Liz, a close friend of Allison, plays an important role in the team as the SUV driver, often scouting ahead to support smooth and efficient operations. By checking routes, access points, and conditions in advance, she helps the team stay one step ahead.
Alongside this, Liz assists with logistics and coordination, ensuring plans come together seamlessly on the ground. Adaptable and proactive, she’s always ready to step in wherever needed.
With a sharp eye for detail and a calm, dependable approach, Liz is a trusted and valued member of the crew—helping keep everything running on track from start to finish.
Myles
Myles, son of Lee, plays a vital hands-on role in keeping operations running smoothly behind the scenes. Responsible for driving the van and trailer, he ensures the safe and reliable transport of fuel, equipment, and essential launch and recovery gear.
With a strong work ethic and a practical, can-do attitude, Myles is always ready to support the team wherever needed. His reliability and attention to detail help make sure everything is in the right place at the right time—keeping projects moving efficiently from start to finish.
A key part of the logistics team, Myles brings energy, commitment, and a willingness to get stuck in, making him an invaluable member of the crew.
Allison
Allison, Lee’s wife, plays a key support role as the driver of the camper van, providing a reliable mobile base for the team. Acting as both transport and accommodation support, she helps ensure everyone has a comfortable and well-organised hub during operations.
Calm, capable, and always prepared, Allison keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes. Whether it’s coordinating logistics, offering a place to rest, or making sure essential supplies are close at hand, her contribution is vital to the team’s efficiency and wellbeing.
A steady and dependable presence, Allison brings warmth, organisation, and practical support—making her an essential part of the crew.