Ian is a PE teacher and lover of the outdoors from the Isle of Wight. He is one of our Huntington’s Disease Association Ambassadors and our 2025 Fundraiser of the Year.
“I lost my father to Huntington’s and knew from the age of around 16 that the risk of inheriting it was there. I had always had the view that, as it was in the cards, my wife and I would live life to the maximum, so we focused on making memories by travelling and having amazing adventures. As I got into my 40s and started feeling like I may be becoming symptomatic, I decided to have the test to finally answer the question once and for all, rather than continually focusing on whether this is Huntington’s.”
In November 2023, Ian received a positive genetic test result.
“Since then, my symptoms have progressed. Although I am still able to work as a teacher, it makes me really tired.”
After receiving his positive gene result in November 2023, Ian decided to embark on a walking challenge around the Isle of Wight to process the news, positively deal with it, and keep fit.
Following the success of his first fundraiser, Ian returned with an even bigger challenge: to walk uphill and climb a total ascent greater than Mount Everest’s height (9,000m). Thus, “The Ascent” was born. Incredibly, Ian completed 38 ascents of the Isle of Wight’s steepest routes.
“After both of my challenges, I did assemblies to the 750 students at the high school I work at, as head of PE. This was to raise awareness of Huntington’s and to inspire the students, showing that they can reach their goals with some positivity and resilience. The students’ interest in my condition and the challenges showed me that I wanted to keep doing these challenges, but needed to do it to a wider audience.”
We asked Ian what it means to be fundraising for the Huntington's Disease Association:
“I think the Huntington’s Disease Association is an outstanding charity that does a huge amount with very little recognition and funding. The support they have offered my family has been nothing short of outstanding. Raising funds for this incredible organisation and raising awareness of Huntington’s means the world to me.”
We asked Ian what he would you say to someone who is considering joining in with #HDWalk, but isn't sure if they can do it:
“Think about how far / long you can walk for now, start there, and then slowly build yourself up. I plan my training walks by increasing the distance each week. For example, if you are only able to walk around the block, then each time you go out, make it longer by a lap, and then go further afield. By increasing gradually, you will build fitness and confidence in your ability to cover the distance.”
What's next for Ian?
Ian’s next challenge, taking place this Awareness Month, involves walking 100 laps of a 1-mile course, non-stop, at the school where he teaches PE.
Keen to give his students a real sense of what these challenges involve, Ian is encouraging each year group to join him for an hour-long walk and raise sponsorship for their efforts.
He also plans to invite other primary and secondary schools to bring groups of students to take part in either a two or five mile walk, with participants seeking sponsorship from their own school communities.
As ever, Ian will be doing assemblies at every school that signs up, speaking to students about resilience and facing challenges, whilst raising awareness of Huntington’s.
#HDWalk
Has Ian’s story left you feeling inspired?
Step into spring with #HDWalk, a flexible and accessible walking challenge you can make your own in honour of your own Huntington’s journey, or to recognise the journey of someone you love.