On Monday July 13th I will start a week long 16.25 mile rowing challenge on a custom-made rowing machine. This is in a bid to cover the equivalent distance of the Gloucester/Sharpness Canal.

I used to be a keen rower and spent many hours on this canal with my school team mates. A car accident when I was 19 left me paralysed from the neck down and dependent on a ventilator. Now I can only  move my  head and shrug my shoulders so rowing is a massive effort. This will be the toughest row of my life. I will be breaking the distance into sections based on the canal bridges.  I'm aiming to finish the challenge within seven days - wish me luck!

I'm attempting this challenge to raise funds and awareness for a charity close to my  heart - the Neurokinex Charitable Trust - whose specialist spinal cord injury rehab services have been vital for me.  It runs a hugely important Newly Injured Scheme that enables people to access six free sessions to get them started on their rehab programme.  The charity pays for these sessions and I know from personal experience this is an absolute game-changer.  But because of the impact of Covid-19 and loss of income since March, the funding for the Newly Injured Scheme has dropped to the point Neurokinex can't afford these sessions which cost £420 per person.

In a bid to save these sessions, Neurokinex has set up a Step Up Appeal and needs to raise £25,000.  I hope to raise £5,000 of that to secure free sessions for other people who need their help right now.  

Neurokinex helped me massively and continues to do so.  Your sponsorship can help them safeguard these incredible services for others who need them.

Thank you!

Rob