2,025km rowing challenge for Bradford pupil raises thousands
A Bradford Grammar School (BGS) pupil is leading a challenge to raise funds for a kidney research charity in honour of his younger brother - with more than £7,500 donated to the cause so far.
Edward van Lopik, along with his younger brother, James, has inspired BGS's Boat Club and the wider community to participate in ROW2025 - a challenge which sees participants row 2,025,000 metres in one week - to raise funds for Kidney Research UK.
The distance is the equivalent of 48 marathons back-to-back.
Fourteen-year-old James was diagnosed last year with C3 glomerulonephritis (C3GN), a rare autoimmune condition that affects approximately one in a million people.
The condition damages kidney function, often leading to kidney failure and the need for dialysis or transplants.
For James, his diagnosis followed months of swelling, fatigue, and illness, culminating in a week-long hospital stay at Leeds General Infirmary.
His mum, Sarah, said: "James has good days and bad days but has shown remarkable maturity and resilience since his diagnosis.
"We're incredibly proud of both him and Edwin.
"It's great to see them channel their energy into something so positive during difficult circumstances."
The ROW2025 challenge brings together the rowing communities at BGS and Bradford Amateur Rowing Club, where Edwin, James, and their mum are active members.
Hosted by the BGS Boat Club, the challenge kicked off on Saturday, January 18, with participants rowing on ergometers at school or joining remotely - and all working towards a collective goal of covering 2,025km (apparently the equivalent of rowing from Bradford to Africa).
The fundraiser is expected to take around a week to complete, during which time an estimated 140 people in the UK will develop kidney failure.
James said: "It's been tough at times, especially with the medication making me feel tired, but the school has been really supportive when I've needed time off.
"I'm so grateful to everyone getting involved in the fundraiser, especially Ed.
"I'm excited to see how much I can do on the erg myself and help us reach our goal."
Donations can be made at justgiving.com/page/bgs-boat-club
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