In Honour of a Champion: Supporting Joe’s Journey

On the penultimate day of BUCS 2025, during the intermediate men’s quad race, an unimaginable tragedy unfolded. The father of our stroke seat, Joe, suffered a heart attack while watching from the sidelines. Despite the immediate efforts of medical professionals, he sadly passed away shortly thereafter.

The sudden loss of a parent is a heartbreak no one can ever truly be prepared for—especially at such a young age. In the face of overwhelming grief, Joe’s strength and unwavering dedication to the sport were nothing short of extraordinary. That very evening, he made the courageous decision to return from the hospital and race in his final event—a moment that left every one of us deeply moved.

Joe’s resilience, composure, and love for rowing served as a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to endure. His presence, even in such sorrow, inspired the entire team.

What we witnessed that day went far beyond competition. It was a profound display of unity, compassion, and the values we hold dear as a team: community, strength, mutual support, and the understanding that wellbeing must always take precedence over success. In our darkest moment, we found light in each other—and that is what defines us.

From 10am on Wednesday 14 May until 10am on Thursday 15 May, we’re hosting a 24-hour rowing challenge at Bath Spa University. We’ll take shifts on the erg, livestream the event, and open it to the public — all to raise funds for Joe. The money raised will go to Joe for him to use as he sees fit: including supporting him and his future in rowing. We want to honour his father’s memory by helping Joe continue his journey.

Bath Spa University Students’ Union will manage the funds on behalf of Bath Spa Rowing Club and all funds raised through this page and at the event itself will be donated to Joe.

You can follow the event and our progress on Instagram @bathsparowingclub. If you would like to attend or take part in the event itself, please contact us in advance via Instagram or at su-[email redacted]. Uk

Let’s remind Joe, and the world, what rowing family means.

We row not just for fitness.

Not just for medals.

But for one another.