A TEENAGER from Wellington School who bravely battles a medical condition is making waves in the world of rowing.

Edward Fuller, aged 13 from Gittisham, finished fourth last month when he took part in the London British Rowing Indoor Championships in his age category.

He rowed a distance of 819 metres in three minutes.

Edward first got into his rowing around 18 months ago and now trains at Exeter Rowing Club where he attends for four sessions a week both indoor and out on the water.

What makes his achievements all the more commendable is the fact that he also bravely battles a medical condition that would make many an individual settle for an easier life.

Edward suffers from severe Haemophilia, a condition which means that the blood cannot clot properly.

Although bleeding can be from cuts or grazes on the skin, most bleeding that occurs is internal, into muscles and joints and is therefore not visible to the untrained eye.

To overcome this risk of bleeding his mother Helen injects him intravenously at home four times a week with a clotting factor which then allows him to undertake most mainstream activities.

As well as his rowing prowess Edward also plays hockey.

The British Rowing Indoor Championships is an indoor rowing event which began in Henley-on-Thames attracting 200 competitors.

It is currently the world 's biggest indoor rowing event attracting over 3,000 participants and is and Britain's biggest mass-participation indoor sporting event.

Olympic rowing gold medalists 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 2,000 m (the Olympic rowing distance) with shorter time-based events for Juniors.

There are also team races where teams of four race 4,000 m as a relay.

The event is now held at the Lee Valley VeloPark.