Victim of motor neurone disease scales mountain in his wheelchair
A TERMINALLY ill man who needs a ventilator for 16 hours a day has climbed one of Britain’s tallest mountains to raise money for the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease.
Ian Flatt, who suffers from motor neurone disease (MND) scaled Snowdon in Wales in his off-road wheelchair, climbing 1,085 metres (3,559ft).
The 56-year-old from Harrogate completed the challenge to raise money for the new centre in Leeds that will provide treatment to people with the condition.
The £5m appeal is being run by Leeds Hospitals Charity and it will be named after former Leeds Rhinos player Rob Burrow MBE, who was diagnosed with MND in late 2019.
Mr Flatt and Mr Burrow are currently both being cared for at an outdated MND centre at Seacroft Hospital, Leeds.
Julian Hartley, chief executive of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “A new motor neurone disease centre for Leeds will provide us with an opportunity to bring in the latest technology and care provision for those living with MND and provide an aspirational space for those working in this field, with an opportunity to further our understanding and treatment of this cruel condition.
“This is an exciting prospect and we have been so impressed by the fundraising efforts so far, particularly the superhuman efforts of Ian.”
MND is a terminal condition that affects the brain and nervous system.
According to the MND Association, around six people are diagnosed with the condition each day in the UK and it affects up to 5,000 adults in the country at any one time.
The NHS states there is no cure but there are treatments to reduce the impact it has on a person’s daily life.
This is an opportunity to further our treatment of this cruel condition. Julian Hartley, chief executive of Leeds Teaching Hospitals.