Loving brother to run Nidderdale Way for Huntington’s disease

A loving brother is aiming to run all 53 miles of the Nidderdale Way to raise money and awareness for the Huntington Disease Association (HDA).
NADV 1504202AM1 Ian Lawrence. (1504202AM1)NADV 1504202AM1 Ian Lawrence. (1504202AM1)
NADV 1504202AM1 Ian Lawrence. (1504202AM1)

Ian Lawrence, 45, decided to take on the challenge on Saturday, June 20 after his father died from the disease which his brother Mark is suffering from.

The effects of Huntington’s disease have left a devastating impact on the whole family and Ian said he now wants to help the charity that is ‘very close’ to his heart.

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He said: “People are very sympathetic to our mark and his illness. Once people read up on the illness then they understand why I’m trying to raise the awareness of it.

“I wanted to run the Nidderdale Way as it is a local challenge and the river Nidd flows through Bilton where Mark and I grew up and had some great times.

“I have run marathons in the past for charity and I wanted to try and do something that was a bit more of a challenge. I have run part of it in the past so I do know bits of it but I have never done anything as long as this.”

Ian will take on the 53 mile circular route, starting at 5am before finishing at Ripley, and believes the route will take him around 12-14 hours to complete.

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The off-road footpath has 6,000ft of ascent and descent and will take Ian up to the source of the river Nidd with his wife Ros providing food, water and support along the way.

Ian is hoping to raise £5,000 for the charity and has already started collecting money on his just giving page as well as placing five collection boxes in the Harrogate district.

The five boxes have been placed in Park View Bakery in Pateley Bridge, Woodfield Convenience Store, Roots & Fruits King Edwards Drive, Kendals Butchers on Skipton Road and EPS off Kings Road.

Ian said: “Training has been going pretty well and I have just had the couple of injuries but nothing to major and I have just been able to get through them.

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“It’s the 6000ft ascent that will be the toughest to get through rather than the distance, it will be testing my joints a little bit because I’m no spring chicken any more at 45.”

Ian is hoping that the money raised from his marathon effort can help go towards finding a cure for the disease and helping the charity whose work is ‘vital’.

HDA pursues the best possible care; provides training & advice to families and professionals; raises awareness; and promotes research towards better treatment and ultimately a cure.

To donate to Ian’s page visit www.justgiving.com/ianlawrence53

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