North Yorkshire man with MND to complete epic mountain challenge in honour of Rob Burrow
Ian Flatt - who uses a wheelchair - has scaled seven mountains in just three weeks
A North Yorkshire man living with motor neurone disease is attempting to scale his seventh mountain today - in tribute to Rob Burrow.
Ian Flatt was diagnosed with the condition in 2019 and has already taken on several fundraising challenges.
He is raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Leeds Hospitals Charity appeal, which is building the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease.
The Rob Burrow Centre is state-of-the-art MND Care Centre which has become a beacon of hope for those living with or affected by MND.
Inspired by the Burrow family, family and friends, and the wider MND Community, Ian set himself the challenge of scaling seven mountains across England, Wales and Scotland in June.
- 15th June 2024 - Whernside
- 18th June 2024 - Wild Boar Fell
- 21st June 2024 - Mount Snowdon on Global MND Awareness Day
- 25th June 2024 - Pen-y-Fan
- 29th June 2024 - Ben Chonzie
- 3rd July 2024 - Skiddaw
- 7th July 2024 - The Yorkshire Matterhorn on Rob Burrow Day
Ian formed a close bond with Rob Burrow - who passed away earlier this month (June):
“He was the most genuine, warm and generous person, and he made me feel special.
"Rob and his family changed so much for so many, including myself. They galvanised a community – and a movement – that MND sufferers could all be a part of. He gave me a sense of purpose, an identity and a reason to live.”
Speaking recently, Ian praised Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield for shining a light on what is a "brutal" condition:
"It can leave you feeling quite lonely and I think because you are not always confident in how your body or your breathing or how you are talking, you withdraw."
Ian credits Kevin Sinfield and his former team mate Rob Burrow with helping to change the conversation around MND.
Ian continued: "Between 2019 when I was diagnosed and now, the difference is phenomenal. The script has changed and the conversation has changed. The idea that 'go and sort your will out and decide where to die' they were the conversations in 2019 and it was as stark as that and it's not that anymore."
Ian says another £1m is needed to help create the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease and he wants to be a part of the bringing the centre to life.
If you'd like to get involved, please visit Ian's fundraising page.