Harley Skywalker takes on the 2.6 challenge
The 2.6 challenge is nearly upon us! Taking place this Sunday, the challenge consists of completing an activity based on the numbers 2.6 or 26. You could run 2.6 miles, finish a Rubik’s Cube in 26 moves, learn how to count up to 26 in different languages - the possibilities are endless and anything goes! We are so proud of the Huntington’s community who have pulled together to take on the 2.6 challenge to help raise funds that will support those affected by Huntington’s disease during COVID-19. In this article, we interview Harley Salter (Skywalker) as he discusses why he’s doing the 2.6 challenge and what it means to him.
Who is Harley?
“I am Harley Salter and I am 25 years old. I love meeting new people and talking to them especially about Star Wars. I am a huge fan. I had my foot amputated in July 2018 due to a congenital birth defect but I have done more than ever to achieve goals and defy the labels of my disabilities which also include autism, OCD, Tourette’s and anxiety (but I don’t use these labels to describe myself - I am simply Harley!). Last year Mum bought me an Alinker walking bike and I have not looked back. It has enabled me to do more than I ever thought was possible. My prosthetic foot gives me the physical appearance of having two feet but as soon as I start any active walking it becomes very uncomfortable very quickly. Without my Alinker, I would need to use a wheelchair for sustained activity but I want to be active. A wheelchair would disable me more; my Alinker enables me!”
What's is your connection to Huntington's?
“Mum and I are acquainted with many people whose lives are directly impacted by Huntington’s Disease and my Mum is on the committee of the Hampshire and IOW Branch Support Group. I attend meetings and socials with her.”
What motivated you to start fundraising?
“I enjoy a challenge and Mum always supports me to do different things. She knows I enjoy pushing myself and achieving goals. Over the last year, I have done lots of fundraising challenges including multiple abseils, zip-lining, indoor skydiving and more recently the 10-mile Great South Run. “
What are you doing to raise funds?
“I am participating in The 2.6 Challenge organised by the London Marathon. Starting on 26 April I am going to run on my Alinker 2.6 miles each day for 10 consecutive days thereby running a full marathon. Each day my aim will be able to run my 2.6 miles faster than the day before. I will be supported by my Mum who will motivate me and keep me safe. I launched my fundraising page on 20 April and I already have over £300 in donations! I have a target of £2626.26!”
Harley training for the 2.6 challenge.
What's does fundraising during COVID-19 mean to you?
“The COVID-19 pandemic has meant there have been many restrictions in the things that I would normally do and I am missing going out to places I would normally enjoy going to. I have also found the social distancing very stressful when I have been out for my permitted once a day exercise. Doing this challenge will give me a focus and help me manage my anxieties caused as a result of all the restrictions and changes. I am looking forward to the challenge and want to do something that can make a difference to people’s lives affected by Huntington’s.”
Why do you want to raise funds for the Huntington’s Disease Association?
“The thought that fundraising will be badly impacted because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the fact that might affect the ongoing development of a Huntington’s cure and much needed support for families, is something that gravely concerns me and my family.”
Thank you to Harley for giving this interview and good luck in his challenge! You can support Harley and donate to his 2.6 challenge here! It’s not too late to organise your own 2.6 challenge, learn more here.
If you are affected by Huntington’s disease and need support or advice, please contact us on 0151 331 5444 or email [email protected]. We are currently working normal office hours, 9 am- 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Whilst we are working with a reduced staff, we still have Specialist Huntington’s Advisers on hand to give advice and support over the phone.
At this time, fundraising is more important than ever. If you had a fundraising event planned that has been cancelled, why not think about ways you can fundraise from home? Maybe you could donate your usual daily coffee or lunch money, or take part in a sponsored day without social media! If you would like to make a donation to the Huntington’s Disease Association to help aid our ongoing services during this time please visit our COVID-19 appeal page.
The 2.6 challenge is nearly upon us! Taking place this Sunday, the challenge consists of completing an activity based on the numbers 2.6 or 26. You could run 2.6 miles, finish a Rubik’s Cube in 26 moves, learn how to count up to 26 in different languages - the possibilities are endless and anything goes! We are so proud of the Huntington’s community who have pulled together to take on the 2.6 challenge to help raise funds that will support those affected by Huntington’s disease during COVID-19. In this article, we interview Harley Salter (Skywalker) as he discusses why he’s doing the 2.6 challenge and what it means to him.
Who is Harley?
“I am Harley Salter and I am 25 years old. I love meeting new people and talking to them especially about Star Wars. I am a huge fan. I had my foot amputated in July 2018 due to a congenital birth defect but I have done more than ever to achieve goals and defy the labels of my disabilities which also include autism, OCD, Tourette’s and anxiety (but I don’t use these labels to describe myself - I am simply Harley!). Last year Mum bought me an Alinker walking bike and I have not looked back. It has enabled me to do more than I ever thought was possible. My prosthetic foot gives me the physical appearance of having two feet but as soon as I start any active walking it becomes very uncomfortable very quickly. Without my Alinker, I would need to use a wheelchair for sustained activity but I want to be active. A wheelchair would disable me more; my Alinker enables me!”
What's is your connection to Huntington's?
“Mum and I are acquainted with many people whose lives are directly impacted by Huntington’s Disease and my Mum is on the committee of the Hampshire and IOW Branch Support Group. I attend meetings and socials with her.”
What motivated you to start fundraising?
“I enjoy a challenge and Mum always supports me to do different things. She knows I enjoy pushing myself and achieving goals. Over the last year, I have done lots of fundraising challenges including multiple abseils, zip-lining, indoor skydiving and more recently the 10-mile Great South Run. “
What are you doing to raise funds?
“I am participating in The 2.6 Challenge organised by the London Marathon. Starting on 26 April I am going to run on my Alinker 2.6 miles each day for 10 consecutive days thereby running a full marathon. Each day my aim will be able to run my 2.6 miles faster than the day before. I will be supported by my Mum who will motivate me and keep me safe. I launched my fundraising page on 20 April and I already have over £300 in donations! I have a target of £2626.26!”
Harley training for the 2.6 challenge.
What's does fundraising during COVID-19 mean to you?
“The COVID-19 pandemic has meant there have been many restrictions in the things that I would normally do and I am missing going out to places I would normally enjoy going to. I have also found the social distancing very stressful when I have been out for my permitted once a day exercise. Doing this challenge will give me a focus and help me manage my anxieties caused as a result of all the restrictions and changes. I am looking forward to the challenge and want to do something that can make a difference to people’s lives affected by Huntington’s.”
Why do you want to raise funds for the Huntington’s Disease Association?
“The thought that fundraising will be badly impacted because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the fact that might affect the ongoing development of a Huntington’s cure and much needed support for families, is something that gravely concerns me and my family.”
Thank you to Harley for giving this interview and good luck in his challenge! You can support Harley and donate to his 2.6 challenge here! It’s not too late to organise your own 2.6 challenge, learn more here.
If you are affected by Huntington’s disease and need support or advice, please contact us on 0151 331 5444 or email [email protected]. We are currently working normal office hours, 9 am- 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Whilst we are working with a reduced staff, we still have Specialist Huntington’s Advisers on hand to give advice and support over the phone.
At this time, fundraising is more important than ever. If you had a fundraising event planned that has been cancelled, why not think about ways you can fundraise from home? Maybe you could donate your usual daily coffee or lunch money, or take part in a sponsored day without social media! If you would like to make a donation to the Huntington’s Disease Association to help aid our ongoing services during this time please visit our COVID-19 appeal page.