Failure wasn't an option in my mind, however, in reality, I knew it could happen. I purposely avoided all social media outlets and kept what we were about to do a secret. 50,000 steps may not seem much of a task, however, these steps were taken in the Brecon Beacon National Park in Wales.
Let me take you back to the beginning where it all began. As many (over 7,700) of you saw my Facebook LIVE video, I talked about the plethora of changes I made in my life: emotionally, mentally, physically, and socially. Although I discussed these changes, I decided to remain silent regarding a major challenge I was about to undertake. Following this Facebook LIVE video, I left Florida for my business trip to visit WeHaveAFace England and Wales on July 19, 2018. There was a rigorous schedule to attend to: events, meetings, HD3 Trainings, and the challenge.
The Challenge
Daniel Heath (President of WHAF England and Wales) is an avid hiker and skilled navigator. Daniel has years of experience venturing across many parts of England and Wales; on many occasions, he hikes and camps by himself. A simple conversation between us in May 2018 manifested into a strategic plan to journey into the mountains of the Brecon Beacon National Park. This was not a camping or 'glamping' trip, but a true hike into the unknown. Of course, I was clueless and my expectations were of a novice, to say the least. Nonetheless, I trusted in Daniel and we spent weeks privately preparing for this very difficult trek.
Rather than explain the journey, we filmed this expedition for all of you to see. You will also understand why we did it and our plans for the future.
October 2018: Scafell Pike Challenge!
President Daniel Heath of WHAF England and Wales, and President James Valvano of WHAF USA will set out on a second journey to climb England's highest mountain for a Huntington's and Juvenile Huntington's disease challenge! Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England, at an elevation of 3,281 feet above sea level. It is located in the Lake District National Park, in Cumbria, and is part of the Southern Fells. Scafell Pike is one of three British peaks climbed as part of the National Three Peaks Challenge, Snowdon, in Wales (1085m), Scafell Pike, in England (978m), Ben Nevis, in Scotland (1345m), and is the highest ground for over 90 miles. Both Daniel and James plan future treks to conquer each one.
The Huntington's Disease Assistance Fund
WeHaveAFace USA and England and Wales wish to help Huntington's families via our Assistance Funds. In October 2018, we need your help to broaden awareness of Huntington's and Juvenile Huntington's disease. Please consider sponsoring WeHaveAFace USA and WeHaveAFace England and Wales as we tackle Scafell Pike!
Please visit: www.WeHaveAFace.org/Challenge and sponsor our hike to the top of Scafell Pike! Your sponsorship will be allocated to our Huntington's Assistance Funds...no amount is too small! Stay tuned! We will see you from the top of Scafell Pike!
