Bid to help Sheffield teenager suffering incurable condition

Every day in October, father-of-two Ian Westwood, of Mosborough, will complete an entire ‘Murph’, a cross-fit workout which includes 100 pull-ups, 200 press-ups and 300 squats all sandwiched in between two one-mile runs.

Civil servant Ian, who has just turned 40, is taking on the challenge for the Batten Disease Family Association, a charity that supports his friend Russell Windle’s daughter Olivia.

The 19-year-old, of Killamarsh, was born with the rare nervous system condition, a disease that affects only three in every 100,000 children and for which there is currently no cure.

Ian said him and Russell had known each other since they were kids and that he just wanted to do something for the charity which supports Olivia.

He said: “I am a dad and I find them totally inspiring. They are such a strong family and they just get on with it.

“Whenever I see Olivia she is full of joy and hope and epitomises the meaning of how to live life the max.”

Ian will do 31 Murphs in the month of October, but is actually going away twice so will have to double up on some days.

The challenge will be monitored by his wife Rachel and Austin McIntosh, the owner of The Fitness Club gym in Sheffield city centre where Ian trains.

“I’ve tested it a couple of times and I have been left aching so doing 31 of them will surely break me,” said Ian.

“But if I have to do it throwing up I will.”

He hopes to raise around £1,000 for the Batten Disease Family Association but says it is as much about raising awareness of a condition which most people haven’t even heard of.

“It is not just about raising the money, we want to raise awareness as well,” added Ian.

“Very few people know what Batten disease is but it is something that could affect anyone’s son or daughter.”

To find out more or donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ian-westwood6.

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