After the huge success of last year’s challenge of walking 74 miles non stop around the Isle of Wight, raising £4500 for the HDA, I decided to keep doing things that most people think are impossible!

For people who don't know me, I am a PE teacher and live on the Isle of Wight. In November of 2023 I received the news that I was gene positive for Huntington’s Disease, a genetically inherited disease which causes a gradual decline in cognitive function, balance and communication. My father passed away from this disease and my brother has also inherited it! I wanted to raise as much money for the HDA as possible to help them to continue to support as many families like mine as possible! Since my diagnoses, the symptoms of the condition have started but I am currently managing them and staying doing the job I love while I can.

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved to climb and one of my biggest dreams was to climb mount Everest. I won’t ever get the chance to climb the real one, so this year’s challenge is to walk from sea level to an elevation of 9000m which is even higher than the summit of Everest (8849m). It will be done in a single day just like last year’s trek! I will be ascending the 239m high Bonchurch Down 38 times from sea level to the top.

The path to the top ascends the 239m in a 1.2km walk. Making it steeper than Everest in places! In total I will be walking 44.4km (27.58 miles). A shorter distance in comparison to last year but all of it will be up hill!

If I can find a way to reach my dreams despite having HD, imagine what you can do!!! #hardwork #resiliance #positivity