Residents in Dumbarton and the Vale are being urged to follow the lead of Olympic medallist and world champion rower Sarah Winckless in rowing the equivalent of the River Clyde for charity.

As Patron of the Scottish Huntington’s Association (SHA), the Olympian has teamed up with Clydesdale Amateur Rowing Club to organise the 176km challenge.

SHA is the only charity in the country supporting families living with the degenerative neurological condition.

Sarah is asking people to join her to do a half-hour session on one of the club’s static rowers, to help her reach the river’s total length on May 13.

Sarah said: “We are looking to get as many people as possible involved and are asking each to do as many kilometres as they can. Whether you are an experienced rower or a novice come along and help reach a combined total of 176km.”

SHA is asking rowers to raise £20 per km rowed to help them with their work in supporting families through a national network of specialists; a dedicated youth support team and their financial wellbeing service.

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a complex condition with symptoms that typically begin to develop between the ages of 30 and 50.

It causes three main groups of symptoms – changes to thinking processes (a type of early onset dementia), loss of muscle control, and involuntary movements which lead to loss of the ability to speak and swallow – along with mental illness.

Those with the incurable condition may eventually lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, drink or make decisions, and will eventually need 24 hour care. It is also hereditary, with each child of those diagnosed at 50 per cent risk of developing the disease.

It is estimated there are around 1,100 people living with HD in Scotland and up to 6,000 potentially at risk.

Volunteers from the club will be on hand to give tips and coaching advice over the course of the day.

Stella Hawthorne, president of Clydesdale Amateur Rowing Club, said: “We are delighted to be involved with this challenge which as well as hopefully raising lots of funds for a great cause, will also introduce some new faces to rowing. It will be great family day out.”

Row the Clyde starts at the boathouse on Glasgow Green at 10am on Sunday, May 13.

To register your place contact Dougie Peddie 0141 808 0308 or email dougie.peddie@hdscotland.org.