Friedreich's Ataxia sufferer Hayden Lynex rowing for great cause

Hayden Lynex will attempt to row the 170km stretch from Hawke's Bay to Gisborne. Photo / Supplied

Living with a disability that forces him to walk with a stick has not deterred Hayden Lynex from taking on the most physical of challenges.

Originally from Havelock North, but now based in Gisborne, the 30-year-old will attempt to row 170km from Napier to Gisborne.

It's a tough ask for any able bodied person, Lynex will be battling against not only the elements, but also the symptoms of a rare congenital condition.

The former Havelock North High School student suffers from Friedreich's Ataxia; an autosomal recessive disease that causes progressive damage to the nervous system.

Symptoms include muscle weakening in the legs and a loss of co-ordination.

Lynex, a keen sportsman in his youth, found his body began to fail him at the tender age of 18.

His feet became heavier at the crease while playing cricket, and his usual bursts of pace on the rugby paddock while playing halfback for the school's 1st XV deserted him.

"I noticed that my body wouldn't react as I wanted it to," he said.

"I had heavy feet and could only get up to three-quarter speed, like a jog."

Following his diagnoses Lynex took to rowing after giving it a try at a "have a go day" and has gone on to achieve national honours.

He will be accompanied throughout the 170km haul by a support crew to assist during sleep breaks, but will otherwise hope to complete the distance under his own steam.

Lynex said he is taking on the mammoth task to hopefully motivate others with disabilities to challenge themselves.

"I want to raise a bit of attention with this and show people that you don't have to let disabilities or adversity stop you from doing things," he said.

Lynex will be raising funds for Disabled Snowsports Canterbury (DSC) - a non-profit organisation run by volunteers which provides practical support to skiers and snowboarders with a range of disabilities.

So far he is just shy of the half-way mark of his $15,000 target.

"It's a massive challenge and I don't know if it'll be achievable but I want to give it a crack, I just need some help to get me on my way," he said.

To donate to Lynex's Givealittle page, visit: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/hbgizzyrow