TEENAGER Edward Fuller, who attends Wellington School, is making waves in the world of rowing despite a medical condition that would make many people settle for an easier life.

Edward, 13, suffers from severe Haemophilia, a condition which means his blood cannot clot properly. He first became interested in rowing about 18 months ago and now trains at Exeter Rowing Club where he attends four sessions a week both indoor and out on the water. He also plays hockey.

Bleeding can be from cuts or grazes on the skin but most is internal, into muscles and joints. His mother, Helen, injects him intravenously at home four times a week with a clotting factor which allows him to undertake most mainstream activities.

Edward, from Gittisham, near Honiton, is looked after by a team of consultants, physiotherapists and haematologists at Exeter Hospital and Bristol Children’s Hospital.

He finished fourth last month when he took part in the London British Rowing Indoor Championships in his age category, rowing 819 metres in three minutes.

The championships attracted 200 competitors when they began in Henley-on-Thames. Now it is the world’s biggest indoor rowing event attracting more than 3,000 participants and is Britain’s biggest mass-participation indoor sporting event. Olympic rowing gold medallists Steve Redgrave and Matthew Pinsent have won open titles at the event in the past.

The races are separated: Men, Lightweight Men, Women and Lightweight Women – with these further split into age categories. All competitors over 16 race 2,000m – the Olympic rowing distance – with shorter time-based events for Juniors. There are also team races where teams of four race 4,000m as a relay. The event is now held at the Lee Valley Velo Park.