A Medina College teacher diagnosed with Huntington’s disease is taking on a gruelling 100-lap walking challenge with the support of his students.
Ian began the gruelling challenge at 04:00 this morning and is aiming to complete the feat by tomorrow afternoon (Friday).
Supported by his wife and brother, who are staying on site, and fuelled by a mix of sweet treats, chocolate and full-fat Coca-Cola, Ian reached the 25-lap mark at around 11:30 today.
It was in November 2023 that Ian tested positive for Huntington’s disease – a condition that claimed the life of his father – after he began experiencing symptoms. Following his diagnosis, Ian undertook a non-stop 74-mile walk around the Isle of Wight, raising more than £4,500 for the Huntington’s Disease Association (HDA).
A year later, Mr Rock, as he is known to his students, pushed himself further by climbing Bonchurch Down 38 times – the equivalent of ascending higher than Mount Everest.
His latest challenge sees him attempting to complete 100 laps of the Medina College playing fields.
Speaking to Island Echo about the thinking behind the challenge, Ian has said:
“It was basically about combining two sides of me – the fundraising side and the teacher side – because I wanted to get the students involved. I wanted them to understand what the experience is like, and now they’ve come out and you’ve seen them walk a couple of laps.
Article continues below this advertisement “As a result, they now know what it feels like, and when they come out for the finish tomorrow, they’re really going to appreciate exactly what I’ve put myself through.”
Students from all year groups at Medina College, along with pupils from a number of other primary and secondary schools on the Isle of Wight, are joining Ian at various stages throughout the challenge.
Prizes are being offered to those who complete the most laps, as well as for motivational and inspirational efforts.
Speaking about how the disease affects his life, both professionally and personally, he said:
“So, Huntington’s is a genetic condition that affects the brain and causes neurodegeneration. Over time, I start to lose control of my body. I experience involuntary movements that have to be managed with medication, and I become more anxious and stressed. The more tired I am, the worse my symptoms get.
“My balance and coordination decline, and over time you begin to lose the ability to speak and swallow. It really is one of the most severe degenerative brain diseases. People often compare it to motor neurone disease and Parkinson’s combined, because it shares symptoms with both.
“So it really is an unpleasant disease, and not many people know about it. The work that the HDA does is vital in supporting families like mine – both my brother and I have tested positive. The support they offer is second to none, so it’s really important to get involved and raise awareness.”
“They recommend doing as much exercise as possible, as it can help to reduce symptoms slightly. However, there is currently no cure. I’ve been part of a drug trial, where an experimental treatment has been tested, although I don’t know whether I’ve received the placebo or the actual drug.
“In about 4 months’ time, I’ll find out if the treatment is effective. If it is, the trial will continue and I’ll remain part of it. If I haven’t been receiving the drug but it proves successful, I’ll be offered it so I can begin treatment.”
Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can do so by clicking here.
To find out more about Huntington’s disease, click here.
