Elite Rower In Walk Across Spain For Charity

                                             Media release – June 3, 2009

Elite Rower In Walk Across Spain For Charity 

Former top NZ elite rower now crippled with arthritis walking nearly 1000km across Spain raising money for NZ arthritis

A young New Zealand elite rower now crippled with arthritis will end her epic 950km fund-raising trek across Spain next Monday morning (nztime).

Clementine Marshall, 26,was a top New Zealand rower with a huge international career in front of her when was she diagnosed with arthritis almost four years ago. Last month she launched herself on a big five week walk across Spain and has already raised almost $70000 for Arthritis New Zealand.

``I had heard about the Camino de Santiago in Spain as being one of the most important and well walked pilgrimages in the world, so I decided to take it on. It has been an amazing experience and I am doing it with friend and support person, Jacqui Gilbert,’’ Marshall said today.

The journey for Marshall started at St Jean Pied de Port in France and it should end next Monday morning (nztime) at Finistere on the Spanish coast.

``The money I have raised is from Kiwis. I approached businesses and also individuals before leaving.  I have been walking 32km a day and taking anti inflammatories regularly as my foot has given me a few problems.

``My back has been a bit sore from time to time. Especially at the beginning when my pack was heavier. Being a rower, I have found I am mentally really strong. Endurance is easier for me than others, and my body has clicked back into training for long periods of time.’’

Marshall was struck down with arthritis at the age of 23 in the prime of her rowing career. It was at the world championships in Europe, 2005, when she first developed pain in her feet.

Originally from Wellington, she lives in Christchurch and works for advertising company Alexanders but is taking unpaid leave. She has done most of the walk alone but talks to people along the way. She will reach Santiago on Thursday.

``This walk has been a big challenge for me, as just over two years ago I was diagnosed with reactive arthritis. It was so severe that I was forced to give up rowing for the New Zealand rowing team. I am doing this walk to raise funds and create awareness about arthritis which is the most common physical disability in New Zealand.’’

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