Dad with rare nerve condition to take on Kilimanjaro

A MAN with a rare nerve condition has tackled a five-hour Tough Mudder challenge in an adapted wheelchair ahead of climbing Africa’s highest mountain.

Merthyr Tydfil dad-of-two Geraint Williams has spoken of his intense training ahead of his journey to summit Kilimanjaro in a demanding six-day mountain trek.

Geraint, 39, was diagnosed with rare inherited disease Friedreich ataxia (FA) 10 years ago. The condition, which causes progressive nervous system damage, usually begins in childhood and leads to impaired muscle coordination.

“I first went to the doctors after noticing that I was getting quite clumsy and had difficulty climbing ladders,” said Geraint.

“At first I thought it may be vertigo or an ear infection but after CAT Geraint Williams, who has Friedreich ataxia, tackled a 10-mile, 20-obstacle Tough Mudder course to prepare for climbing Kilimanjaro scans, lumber puncture and genetic blood testing I was diagnosed with FA.”

Despite the condition, Geraint has maintained his love of outdoor sports and mountains.

Using an adapted wheelchair, he has already climbed Pen y Fan, as well as taking on a 10-mile, 20-obstacle Tough Mudder course.

The Rhondda Cynon Taf council worker said: “Living with FA is difficult mainly due to the progressive nature as you don’t know how long you have left doing something.

“I’ve gone from a clumsy walk to using one walking stick then two, to now using a wheeled walking frame. It’s also difficult knowing that one day I’ll rely on a wheelchair.

“But also living with FA is normal for me after 10 years. It’s hard to remember what it was like walking freely, running or playing sport.

“I cope with it by trying to stay positive and emphasis what I can do rather than what I can’t, and if I can’t how can I adapt things to make sure I can.”

After two years of planning, Geraint will travel to Kilimanjaro in October to begin his climb with his father, friend Ashley and former World Boxing Champion Glenn McCory, whose brother was diagnosed with FA. The challenge will raise money for FA charity Ataxia UK.

Geraint said: “I’ve always loved outdoor sports and mountains and when I heard about somebody climbing Kilimanjaro in a mountain trike I thought ‘I’m doing that.’

“It’ll take six days to summit acclimatising each day to the nearly 6,000m peak. The summit day will also be my 40th birthday.”

Speaking about his Pen y Fan and Tough Mudder challenge, he added: “Both of these gave me an immense feeling of achievement especially with the teamwork of my friends and children.

“I’ve also been working out at a local gym called the Fitness Locker who have produced a tailor-made training programme for me to follow.”

Ahead of the challenge, Geraint is now preparing to reach the top of Snowdon in the middle of September.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/geraint-williams13