“Age is no barrier and nor is a macular condition”

Rowing didn’t enter Roger’s life until his late 50s, but now aged 81 and living with macular disease, he is a three-time indoor rowing world champion. 

The sport quickly became a family affair after his daughter started rowing at school. His wife, Hazel, was then inspired to join a local club, followed by his son, and before long he was persuaded to give it a go too.

“For my son’s 18th birthday, he surprised us by saying what he would like was an indoor rowing machine and that’s really what got me going started, because we then had the rowing machine at home.”

At the time, Roger wasn’t particularly active. “I had a typical executive job, very sedentary, a lot of travel too many lunches and dinners and not getting enough exercise,” he said.

Rowing competitively 

Taking up rowing started to improve his fitness and at the age of 60 he took part in his first competition. Although he didn’t win any medals, over the next two decades, rowing became a big part of his life.

Earlier this year, representing Durham Amateur Rowing Club and Great Britain, he competed in the World Rowing men’s 80-plus category at the virtual world championships, securing three gold medals in all three events - one minute, 1,000 metres, and 5,000 metres.

He said: “I’m elated to be world champion in three categories. The times and distances were my best this year. I didn’t expect to be winning competitions or being world champion in three categories at 81. That’s been a real pleasure.”

Roger’s success with rowing has happened alongside a diagnosis of macular disease seven years ago. 

Unexpected diagnosis 

From an early age Roger has worn glasses to correct myopia (short sightedness) but seven years ago his optometrist identified a macular hole. He received urgent treatment but a few years later he was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and began a course of injections.

“I go for the regular injections, initially four weeks now an eight-week cycle. The diagnoses of a macular hole and then AMD was unexpected, but you have to be positive and get on with it,” he said. “Hazel sets me a great example; she has had cancer treatment three times and in addition to her rowing has just joined a local running club.”

Roger, who still considers himself to have good sight, shared that he did have concerns around training, particularly after the macular hole.

“What concerned me was, was it going to cause any issues if I engaged in very strenuous sport. Was it going to stop me doing that at the level that I want to? But, it hasn’t stopped me doing anything.”

“Could I continue performing in competitions at a very, very competitive level? And the answer, clearly, is yes.”

Fitter and healthier 

Now, more than 20 years after he first started rowing he said he felt better than ever.

“I think my health is better now than it was 10 or 15 years ago,” he said.

“I’m certainly a lot fitter.”

For Roger the sport is more than just taking part in competitions, it’s about the community, the routine and a sense of purpose.

“It fills a lot of the time and space that was previously occupied by my job. I have made a lot of friends and it means you don’t get isolated.”

He added: “I’d like to think anyone reading would be encouraged by the fact that age is no barrier to sporting activity and nor is a macular condition.”

Support is available

Roger is now a member of the Macular Society and shared how reading the quarterly magazine, Sideview has helped keep him up to date on the latest research and dietary advise for eye health.

“I’ve learned so much about the different conditions and treatments. It’s great to know that the research is happening and things are being trialled.”

He added: “It’s just reassuring to know that if you do get to a state where you need support, I could pick up the phone.”