Thousands raised for MND charity with 24-hour row

A Brentwood man and his friends have rowed for 24 hours to raise charity cash and awareness about motor neurone disease.

Alex Gibson, 48, was diagnosed with the disease in 2018 and soon after set up the charity Challenging MND.

He set out to cover 24,000 metres (15 miles) on a rowing machines by completing 1,000m (3,280ft) every hour, but he smashed his target and reached 30,000 metres. The rest of the group of 60 - aged from six up to 79 - ended up rowing 605,571 metres (375 miles) between them using two machines.

In total, the group raised about £7,000 and Mr Gibson said it was a "tremendous challenge".

His distance was limited to 1,000 metres per hour due to his condition, which affects the brain and nerves.

"I am very pleased it was done and in front of my good friends and colleagues," he said.

"Everyone who made an effort should receive equal recognition and praise."

The row was Mr Gibson's 10th charity challenge, having previously climbed the height of Mount Everest by walking up the Leadenhall Building in London 47 times, and setting a record for the fastest time pedalling a distance equivalent to the length of the River Thames.

Mr Gibson said he was told by his neurologist that he had significantly outlived the average life expectancy of someone with MND.

Charity Marie Curie said a person with MND would usually die between two to three years after diagnosis.

The father-of-two said: "Discipline and determination are key: this is something I've learned and retained from my sporting days."

Former England rugby player Andy Long, a patron for the charity, said: "It's fantastic watching Alex with all his friends around him taking on a challenge - it means so much to him.

"The money raised goes to help those living with MND right now, and that's so important."

Louis Payne, 31, who also took part in the challenge, said: "I couldn't think of a better reason to get out and do something.

"Even though it's tough, it's very rewarding and it's all for a good cause."

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