Aidan Leverage, 20, from Leicester, has shattered a championship record at this year’s British Indoor Rowing Championships (BRIC), all while raising awareness and funds for epilepsy.
Competing in two 2000-metre races in Birmingham, Aidan claimed first place in the Open IAR7 2000m category, setting a new record time of 6:36.9.
Picture credit: Epilepsy Action
Beyond his athletic achievement, Aidan has raised over £1,000 for Epilepsy Action, highlighting the challenges faced by people living with the condition. Diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of four, he has faced a lifetime of obstacles but remains determined to prove that the condition does not define him.
“When I was younger, my epilepsy was very uncontrolled,” Aidan explained. “I faced stigma and was often excluded from activities. Some parents were even scared their child would ‘catch it.’ I had to stop playing rugby and football for my own safety and that of others.”
Aidan endured around 14 hospitalisations due to tonic-clonic seizures and has lost much of his childhood memory to the condition. After trying numerous treatments, he finally found a medication that has controlled his epilepsy in recent years.
Rowing became a new outlet, introduced to him by his father. “Leicester Rowing Club were amazing with my epilepsy. They were very caring and cautious,” he said. Now a student at Anglia Ruskin University, Aidan continues to push himself in the sport while balancing the side effects of his medication.
“I want to show people that there is nothing that should stop you from pushing yourself,” he said. “This message isn’t just for people with epilepsy, it’s for everyone.”
Aidan’s journey has inspired many, including his hometown Olympic champion Lauren Henry, who cheered him on at BRIC. “He’s overcome huge obstacles and continues to inspire everyone with his resilience and determination,” she said.
Rebekah Smith, chief executive of Epilepsy Action, praised Aidan’s achievement: “The 2000-metre individual race is one of the toughest in rowing, so Aidan completing it twice in one day, while setting a championship record, is remarkable. Representation of people with epilepsy in sport is so important. Epilepsy should never be a barrier to participation.”
Aidan hopes his story will encourage others with epilepsy to aim high and defy expectations. “Lots of doctors said I wouldn’t achieve anything,” he said. “I’ve chosen to be a high achiever and not be held back. Epilepsy doesn’t have to define your limits.”
With his record-breaking performance and ongoing charity efforts, Aidan is living proof that determination and resilience can overcome even the toughest challenges.
