Final 50:50 Challenge for inspiring Harley

Three-time official Guinness world record holder, Harley Salter, completed a remarkable 50:50 Challenge for Huntingdon’s Disease in Sandown on Saturday.

Harley, 27, was supported by Island members of the Hants & IW branch of Huntingdon’s, with his final walk taking place from the Dinosaur Museum – after a toss of a 50p coin.

His mum, Vanessa, explained: “Harley is an inspiration with all he has been through in his life. He has OCD, Autism and Tourette’s Syndrome and, in 2018, his right leg was amputated.

“He wanted to do this challenge in memory of a family member who passed away with Huntingdon’s two years ago, with Saturday being the second anniversary. For the last 49 days he has done a variety of challenges each to the toss of a coin. So, on Saturday, he was given the chance to do a 1km (0.62mile) walk or a 5km walk. He chose tails, so it meant a 5km walk – which delighted Harley!

“His other challenges have included shooting 50 hoops with a basketball, picking up 50 baked beans with a cocktail stick and walking 5km dressed as Batman.

“These challenges might not seem much to a normal person but, to Harley, it takes an incredible amount of effort. We have been doing this since April 1 and there has been lots of frustration and meltdowns but, throughout, he has been determined to carry on to raise awareness for Huntingdon’s with his passion, determination and willingness.

“The disease is so cruel and brutal and there is something of a taboo about talking about it. Huntingdon’s is inherited and children have a 50:50 chance of contracting it from a parent. There is no cure, just treatment at the start once it has been diagnosed and life expectancy is 15-20 years from diagnosis.”

Harley, who needs a mobility aid to walk and has taken part in the London Marathon creating several world records, came over from Portsmouth to take part in his final event to meet Island members of the Huntingdon Disease Association.

Vanessa added: “This whole experience was about promoting Huntingdon’s which is why he wanted to support the Island members.”