A young man from Leicester is preparing for an extreme physical test at this year's British Indoor Rowing Championships, aiming to raise vital funds and awareness for a charity close to his heart.
Overcoming Stigma and Seizures
Aidan Leverage, aged 20, will compete in two demanding 2,000-metre races in Birmingham. His challenge is a fundraiser for Epilepsy Action, an organisation that has supported him and his family. To date, Aidan has already raised more than £1,000 for the cause.
Living with epilepsy since he was four years old, Aidan describes a difficult childhood marked by misunderstanding. "I faced a lot of stigma; I was excluded from activities as a child and was known as the 'weird kid with epilepsy'," he recalled. He explained that some parents feared the condition was contagious, leading to further isolation.
His passion for rugby and football was cut short due to safety concerns. "My parents have told me that sometimes I would simply stop and stare, mid-game," Aidan said. "What they didn't understand was that I was having a seizure." His condition led to around 14 hospitalisations for tonic-clonic seizures and has resulted in significant memory loss from his early years.
Finding Control and Defying Limits
After trying numerous medications, Aidan has found a treatment that has controlled his epilepsy for the past few years. "Now I have finally found a medication that works, I feel unstoppable," he declared. He discovered rowing through his father and found a supportive community at Leicester Rowing Club, who were "amazing" and cautious about his condition.
Despite being seizure-free, Aidan still battles tough side effects from his medication, including fatigue and mood swings. Nevertheless, he now rows for Anglia Ruskin University, where he is also a student. He is determined to disprove the low expectations once set for him. "Lots of doctors said I wouldn't achieve anything," Aidan stated. "I've rejected those ideas. I've chosen to be a high achiever and not be held back."
Inspiring Others Through Sport
Epilepsy affects approximately one in every 100 people in the UK, with around 80 new diagnoses every day. Epilepsy Action works to improve lives through campaigning, support, and awareness. Rebekah Smith, chief executive of Epilepsy Action, praised Aidan's efforts: "Aidan's resilience and determination are extraordinary, and we are confident he will inspire many others, with and without epilepsy, to push themselves."
She emphasised the importance of representation, adding: "Whilst precautions should always be taken, epilepsy should never be a barrier to participation." The charity offers support via a freephone helpline (0808 800 5050) and a national network of groups.
Aidan's journey from a child excluded from sport to a competitive athlete challenging national titles stands as a powerful testament to his spirit. His participation in the British Indoor Rowing Championships is not just a personal challenge, but a public statement against the limitations often placed on people with epilepsy.
