By Tilly Walder
A teacher, from Medina College, has taken on a 100-mile overnight endurance challenge to raise funds for the Huntington’s Disease Association.
Head of PE, Ian Rock, began “Mr Rock’s 100” at 4am yesterday (Thursday), walking 100 laps of a one-mile course around the school fields without sleep, finishing today (Friday).
It would be a significant challenge for anybody, but both Ian and his brother have tested positive for Huntingdon’s Disease and are now showing symptoms. His father died from the condition, which affects movement, thinking and mood. It gets worse over time and there is currently no cure, so the cause is close to Ian’s heart. Through the challenge, he hopes to raise awareness and encourage others facing difficult times.
The IW Observer caught up with Ian at 2.30pm yesterday, when he was on lap 33.
“We’re trying to walk 100 miles, and get the students involved as well,” he said. “They walk a couple of miles and then can see what it takes. It helps them understand how tough it is, but also that you can keep going, stay positive, and get it done.”
Students from Medina College have taken part throughout the challenge, alongside pupils from Island primary and secondary schools.
Although admitting to some discomfort, Ian remained focused on finishing. “My knee’s a bit sore, but we’re on target,” he said. “It doesn’t matter how hard it gets, it’s getting done!”
The school community is due to welcome him across the finish line, with a non-uniform day held in the charity’s colours of blue and purple.
This is Ian’s third major challenge for the cause, having previously completed a 73-mile non-stop walk around the Island and a 9,000m ascent challenge.
So far, Ian has raised more than £2,300, and you can support him at iw.observer/rock-100.
Isle of Wight Observer