Loving brother runs 53 miles of Nidderdale Way for charity

Ian Lawrence, 45, decided to take on the challenge on Saturday, June 20, to raise money and awareness for the Huntington Disease Association.

The effects of Huntington’s have left a devastating impact on the whole family as his father died from the disease and his brother is currently suffering with it.

So far, Ian has managed to raise almost £4,000 for the charity and said he hoped his efforts had also raised awareness of the ‘dreadful illness’.

He said: “Unfortunately I had a few injury problems and I did not know how they could affect me during the run.

“However, the thought of everybody who had donated to my cause inspired me to keep going and finish my run.

“I had some good friends helping me through on the day, my support crew as well as my wife Ros. If it wasn’t for her I couldn’t have done it.”

Ian managed to complete the gruelling run in 16 hours and 17 minutes and he thanked his friends who joined him for parts of the journey.

After setting off at 5am from Ripley, Ian said that he had to battle through various injuries to finish the run.

He said: “A couple of my friends ran different parts of the trip with me which helped take my mind off the pain.

“The most difficult part of the journey was running down the hill but it was just an absolutely amazing feeling to get round and achieve it.

“It’s not something you can just do with a fortnight’s notice, I have been training for this for about a year and overcome a few injuries.

“At the start my target was to raise £5,000 for the charity so I’m close. I’m just hoping a few more people can read about my trip and be inspired to donate.”

Ian revealed that the hardest part of the 53 mile trip was the final 14 miles back from Pateley Bridge. However, he was pleased to have his family’s support throughout and were ‘proud’ to see him finish.

He said: “Finally I reached Pateley but doubt started to set in as I climbed up to Panorama Way. There were just 14 miles to get back to Ripley but my feet were killing me, the soft bouncy ground of Brimham was a welcome relief.

“I’d like to thank everyone for all their generous donations and good will.”

To donate to Ian’s cause, visit https://www.justgiving.com/ianlawrence53/.