My father passed away on 12th August 2016 after being diagnosed with Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD). The condition is so rare that only 1 or 2 people per million die of the disease each year in the UK. The University of Edinburgh is the only establishment in the UK that specialises in CJD. However because of the rarity of the condition there is no official charity and the university receives very little funding to carry out any significant research.

I have decided to enter the British Indoor Rowing Championships at the Olympic Velodrome in London to raise funds for the CJD research department at Edinburgh University. I have entered the 2000m race and I'm aiming to finish in the top 20 in the UK and row a time of sub 6 minutes 30 seconds, which is a massive challenge. I started a 16 week training program on 20th August 2016 and will be taking part in the race on 10th December 2016.

My family and I would be so thankful of any donations no matter how big or small. The CJD department at the university of Edinburgh would also be so grateful and it would have a massive impact on their research.

Thank you in anticipation!