Climbing Snowdown for MND

Scaling new heights for MND

In March of this year, a great new challenge for motor neurone disease (MND) took place when 56-year-old Ian, diagnosed with MND in early 2019 and receiving care and treatment from the MND care team at Seacroft Hospital, undertook an incredible trial to climb Mount Snowdon in his offroad wheelchair.

Known affectionately as the Tangerine Dream Machine and with the mantra of #WhatsYourMountain motivating him, Ian faced the 3,200ft climb and 9-mile trek with a team of 40 friends and family around him, including members of the Leeds Teaching Hospitals MND care team. To date Ian has completed a series of significant challenges, including a 100mile trek, and has raised thousands for Leeds Hospitals Charity and the MND Association. Funds will be used to build the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, which will provide specialist care for people living with MND in Yorkshire.

Ian said: “Nothing like this centre currently exists and the vision is to pull together all of the specialist services required by MND sufferers and their families in a dignified space. A centre which provides respite, research, resources, and overall a sense of hope for the MND community – and for the exceptional and extraordinary people who look after us.”

Claire Lang, Specialist Nurse for the MND care team, accompanied Ian on his mammoth challenge to the summit, and has this report: “Joining Ian on his Snowdon challenge was a fantastic experience. I was humbled to be included in Ian’s group of chosen people to complete the challenge with him. To be involved with something which raised both awareness of MND and much-needed funds to build our new centre was an honour.

“I had not previously met many of the people who climbed Snowdon with Ian. It didn’t matter. Everyone got on, chatted and worked together as one big team to get Ian to the top of the mountain. Ian was the common factor for us all. We all shared the same goal to help him reach the summit. It was lovely getting to know everyone and finding out how they knew Ian. I especially enjoyed talking to Ian’s mum. It was very clear from meeting her where Ian gets his personality and drive. “It was physically hard work and as we got closer to the summit it was freezing cold and visibility was poor. Ian had a big smile on his face throughout which undoubtedly kept everyone positive and energised. It was fantastic to be able to share this experience with many of my MND team and our close colleagues. Future team building days certainly have a high standard to meet now! “Ian’s friends and supporters tied ropes to his wheelchair and pulled and lifted him over rocks and rough terrain. The way they approached each challenge was inspiring. At one point they fashioned a decidedly dicey looking bridge out of old train track. Ian was not worried in the slightest, he and his Tangerine Dream Machine were driven over the huge gap in the ground whilst I watched through my fingers holding my breath. “Climbing Mount Snowdon with Ian was very special and something I will remember and cherish for a life time. It was a pure example of determination, friendship, teamwork and love. Ian has shown everyone that a diagnosis of MND shouldn’t stop you reaching for the stars. As Ian says, we all have our mountains to climb but with a positive outlook and the love and support of our families and friends - we can climb those mountains.”