Hi my name is Lester Murphy I'm a 65-year-old British military Gulf war veteran and I have Parkinson's.

When you get diagnosed with Parkinson's life does instantly change however there are ways to deal with the diagnosis and delay the symptoms. I know everyone's P.D. journey is different and mine is one of inspiration and determination to keep my illness at bay as long as I am able with out any form of medication,

My aim is to inspire and encourage others like me to live life to the full whilst you are able.

I believe that indoor rowing has not only changed my physical being but also my mental being as well .

That's why I am determined to row One Million meters on a Concept2 indoor rowing machine from the 1st May 2026 until the 30th April 2027.

That the equivalent of rowing 1000 km / or around 620 miles or rowing from London to Berlin or 24 full marathon runs.

For this difficult challenge I

have decided to donate half the funds raised to Parkinson's UK and the other half to my local Parkinson's branch which is the Cirencester and Stroud branch.

Since starting my challenge I have had great support from both Parkinson's UK / and my local Branch / John Steventon from Rowalong / and my home gym the A40 Fitness Centre Andoversford.

Since starting my Challenge I train / row most day and in 4 month's I have rowed almost 700,000 Metres.

It's funny how thing work out whilst training at the A40 Fitness Centre the main place I train / row I met a lovely chap called Colin Mathews and instantly we hit it off.

Whilst we chatted it turned out that sadly in November 2025 Colin lost his much loved mother Wendy who had been suffering with Parkinson's for over 20 years.

Wendy had lived a wonderful life and at 90 years and 5 days she sadly but peacefully passed away.

Some weeks after meeting and chatting with Colin we hatched a plan through Colin's nephew Joe who is a keen rower and lives near to Henley-on-Thames that as I row virtually every day on different parts of the Thames using a rowing app on my tablet how wonderful it would be to actually row the river for real.

The plan hatched & Joe set to work with his contacts at Henley Rowing Club and I can confirm that on Wednesday 2nd September 2026 Colin and I along with Joe and Chris leading the boat will set off around 7 am for a once in a life time experience.

If you would like to support me by donating to my Go Fund me page in completing this mammoth task of rowing one Million Metre's.

Or by cheering us on as we make the trip along the World famous Henley Regatta Course then come on down to the river bank and wish us well.

Whatever you decide to do we / I thank you for the support love and care you have shown now and in the past to me and other's like Colin's mum Wendy by sponsoring me god bless you all.

Lester The Legend Rowing with Parkinson's