In July, I will be part of a team of five amateur rowers racing against other boats in the Mediterranean from Barcelona to Ibiza. Racing over a distance of 200 nautical miles, we will row for roughly 3 days and nights. Prior to the race, I will spend several months training on the water, on the erg and doing weights, and will also have to complete VHF radio, navigation, first aid and sea-survival courses. 

The race itself will be a huge test of mental and physical endurance. I will face a relentless schedule of 2 hours rowing followed by 2 hours  eating/sleeping, blisters, sea sickness and a confined cabin space. All competitors are putting themselves through this challenge in order to raise money for the NOMAN campaign.

NOMAN raises awareness about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)- related cancer epidemic in men and women, and campaigns for universal HPV vaccination. HPV infects over 80% people at some point in their lives and is the causal agent of 5% of cancer. Although many people are aware of the link between HPV and cervical cancer, most are unaware that both men and women are affected by HPV and the cancer it causes. We can prevent these cancers simply by vaccinating both boys and girls against HPV. 

In 2019 following successful a campaign involving NOMAN in the UK, boys were included in the HPV vaccination programme as well as girls. I feel fortunate that my son will receive the HPV vaccination when he is 12; in most countries only girls are eligible to do so. 

The NOMAN campaign will continue until both girls and boys in every country are routinely vaccinated against HPV.