Talented England rower Edwin is leading a monumental challenge to raise funds for Kidney Research UK in honour of his younger brother, James, who is living with a rare kidney condition.

Both pupils at Bradford Grammar School (BGS), Edwin and James have inspired their school’s Boat Club and the wider community to take part in ROW2025, an ambitious event that will see participants row 2,025,000 meters in one week – the equivalent of 48 marathons back-to-back.

The fundraiser, drawing on Bradford’s status as the UK City of Culture 2025, aims to raise £5,000 for Kidney Research UK, which is at the forefront of funding kidney disease research, its causes, treatments and potential cures.

James, 14, was diagnosed last year with C3 glomerulonephritis (C3GN), a rare autoimmune condition that affects approximately one in a million people. The condition damages kidney function, often leading to kidney failure and the need for dialysis or transplants. For James, his diagnosis followed months of swelling, fatigue and illness, culminating in a week-long hospital stay at Leeds General Infirmary.

“James has good days and bad days but has shown remarkable maturity and resilience since his diagnosis,” said his mum, Sarah. “We’re incredibly proud of both him and Edwin. It’s great to see them channel their energy into something so positive during difficult circumstances.”

ROW2025 is an endurance challenge bringing together the rowing communities at BGS and Bradford Amateur Rowing Club, where Edwin, James and their mum are active members. Hosted by the BGS Boat Club, the event kicks off on Saturday, January 18, with participants rowing on ergometers at school or joining remotely, all working towards a collective goal of covering 2,025km – the equivalent of rowing from Bradford to Africa. The fundraiser is expected to take around a week to complete, during which time an estimated 140 people in the UK will develop kidney failure.

BGS sports scholar Edwin, 17, who represented England at the 2024 Home International Rowing Beach Sprint, said: “Since James was diagnosed, the support from the rowing community has been incredible. This event is not only about raising funds and awareness for Kidney Research UK, but also about showing the strength and unity of the sport that has helped James and our family through such a challenging time.”

C3GN, the condition James lives with, is progressive and unpredictable. While there is no cure, advances in research are offering hope. Current treatments aim to slow the disease’s progression and manage symptoms, offering hope for improved outcomes, though the long-term outlook remains uncertain for many patients.

James, a Year 10 student at BGS, said: “It’s been tough at times, especially with the medication making me feel tired, but the school has been really supportive when I’ve needed time off. I’m so grateful to everyone getting involved in the fundraiser, especially Ed. I’m excited to see how much I can do on the erg myself and help us reach our goal.”

The ROW2025 fundraiser is supported by BGS’s Assistant Coach (Rowing) Megan Jones Gerrard and Simon Darnbrough, Specialist Sports Coach (Rowing) who said: “This event highlights the spirit and unity of our rowing community. The strength and resilience shown by Edwin, James and the entire family is a testament to the power of sport to bring people together, and we’re proud to be part of this journey.”

To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/bgs-boat-club

“This event highlights the spirit and unity of our rowing community.”

Simon Darnbrough, Specialist Sports Coach (Rowing)

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