Like many rowers, Graeme is no stranger to the issues that rivers in the UK and Ireland face - from pollution caused by plastic, sewage, and chemical run-off, to the myriad pressures that the climate crisis puts on our rivers, including changing weather patterns causing flooding and drought.

By taking part in the Salmon Run Ultramarathon alongside The Rivers Trust's CEO, Mark Lloyd, Graeme aims to raise awareness of the issues, as well as to shine a light on work being done by The Rivers Trust and the Movement of local trusts, and to fundraise to support their vital work.

He will also experience firsthand one of the key threats that iconic Atlantic salmon face when they try to journey up the length of the Exe in the waters alongside Graeme's running route; regular, hard-to-navigate manmade barriers in the watercourse itself.

Graeme says:

"As an Olympic rower, I have made rivers and lakes my ‘office’. For well over a decade, I have trained and competed on waters across the United Kingdom. It has been an absolute privilege to spend so much of my time interacting with our most precious resource. Witnessing all kinds of wildlife against the backdrop of wild & urban landscapes. From the kingfisher forging a living in Manchester city center to the otters of the River Lune. I am now looking to turn from sculler to steward and promote the protection of our wild spaces.

Due to injury, I have recently been forced to take a step back from my usual training and competition schedule. After a short period of downtime, I am ready for a challenge to work towards. The Salmon Run is the perfect opportunity to give me a personal goal and raise awareness of an important cause. The same reasons for decline in migratory Salmon apply to a whole range of other river-centered animals, and with that thought in mind I am choosing to raise money for The Rivers Trust.

The Rivers Trust is an incredible organisation, delivering real action to our wild spaces. I have witnessed first hand the positive impact they are having on our home waters. The Salmon Run is an opportunity to spotlight the existing positive impact they are having and raise funding for the exciting future projects. Please support the Just Giving Page and don’t forget to download and take part in The Big River Watch this September to document the health of your local water spots.