A young Lutterworth sportsman is making waves as he prepares to take part in this year’s British Indoor Rowing Championships.

Aidan Leverage, 20, is competing in two 2000 metre races in Birmingham, to raise money for Epilepsy Action and awareness for epilepsy.

He said: “When I was younger, my epilepsy was very uncontrolled. Doctors didn’t know the cause or my triggers.

“I found my childhood with epilepsy quite difficult. I faced a lot of stigma, I was excluded from activities as a child and was known as the ‘weird kid with epilepsy’. Some parents were even scared their child would ‘catch it’ and so I was left out of things.”

Aidan was hospitalised around 14 times due to tonic-clonic seizures, and he has lost lots of his childhood memory due to his epilepsy. He tried many different medications and eventually 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. I started rowing after being introduced to the sport by my dad. I joined Leicester Rowing Club who were amazing with my epilepsy. They were very caring and cautious of my condition.

“Although I am seizure free, my medications still have tough side effects. I can be very tired and experience mood swings – getting up at 5 or 6am to be on the water can be difficult!

“I am now rowing for Anglia Ruskin University, where I’m studying. Being a rower with a disability can be hard at times, but I want to show people that there is nothing that should stop you from pushing yourself. My message isn’t going to people with epilepsy, it’s to everyone.

“When I look back, I can’t even imagine how stressful it was for my parents, worrying about me, not knowing when my next seizure would be. That’s why my parents have always turned to Epilepsy Action for help, when they felt completely lost. I want to be living proof for parents out there that it does get better.

“Lots of doctors said I wouldn’t achieve anything. I was told I would struggle academically and that I may not do anything in sport as I’d struggle there too. I was told it would be best to find an easy sport for me. I’ve rejected those ideas. I’ve chosen to be a high achiever and not be held back by what some doctor is going to tell me.”

Aidan is from the same small town as Olympic champion Lauren Henry and is amongst those cheering Aidan on.

Lauren said: “I want to wish Aidan all the very best for his incredible challenge at BRIC this year.

“He’s overcome some huge obstacles and continues to inspire everyone with his resilience and determination. I’m sure he’ll have a fantastic day at BRIC and absolutely smash it!”

Epilepsy Action is a freephone helpline 0808 800 5050 and online at www.epilepsy.org.uk.

Aidan is competing this weekend. His fundraising page can be found via: Aidan Leverage is fundraising for Epilepsy Action.