Turning family determination into hope for the future
How one family is raising awareness and funds for a deeply personal disease
Every year, graduates and friends of the Â鶹Æƽâ°æ take on personal challenges and host events - from marathons to quiz nights - to support medical research and help shape a healthier future.
Josh Fedrick is one of those supporters, following proudly in the footsteps of his mum and aunt, who have long raised money for a cause close to their family’s heart at the University.
Josh is now midway through an ambitious set of ten fitness challenges, raising funds and awareness for Huntington’s disease research at the Â鶹Æƽâ°æ.
Josh with his cousin Charley
Josh’s motivation is deeply personal. His cousins, Charly and Jono, both live with Huntington’s disease (HD), a serious inherited neurodegenerative condition affecting around 6,000 adults in the UK. The disease causes a progressive decline in movement and mobility, and if a parent carries the altered gene, their child has a 50% chance of developing the condition.
Reflecting on his family’s experience, Josh says:
“Normally Huntington’s disease symptoms don’t develop until at least age 30, but in my cousin Charly it was in her early 20s, back in 2014. My mum and auntie have been amazing in their fundraising efforts for the University, so I thought: right – it’s my turn to get up and do something too.â€
Inspired to take action, Josh mapped out Hunting10 - ten demanding physical challenges designed to push him beyond his comfort zone. The first, the 5K Pasty and Pie Challenge in Exmouth, is now complete.
“I’m a personal trainer so am naturally active, but I hate running! So, starting with a running challenge is actually a big deal for me.â€
Still ahead are some formidable tests, including international and endurance events:
Still ahead are some formidable tests, including international and endurance events:
“Included in my Hunting10 is also the Hyrox in Bologna, the Â鶹Æƽâ°æ Half Marathon and the Three Peaks 24-hour Challenge, before culminating in a Sprint Triathlon at Blenheim Palace. It’s going to be fun, but I know full well it won’t be easy.â€
Throughout the journey, family support has been central:
“We’re a really close-knit family and I’m so pleased Charly will be there to cheer me on. I’ve just got to keep going and raising awareness of this condition, as you never know who it might affect.â€
While there is currently no cure for Huntington’s disease, research at the Â鶹Æƽâ°æ continues to make important strides in understanding the condition and building hope for future treatments.
Support from fundraisers like Josh plays a vital role in continuing this research.
Josh completing the cycle from London to Brighton
Has Josh’s story inspired you to take on a challenge?
If you’re thinking about organising a fundraiser or setting yourself a personal challenge in the next year, we’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch with us to find out how you can support medical research at the Â鶹Æƽâ°æ and create your own impact.
Josh and his family
