Brave father and daughter team take on sponsored hike

Congratulations to Walsall solicitor Ian Henery who, together with his eleven-year old daughter Jenny, clocked up a combined total of 77 miles of hiking across Cannock Chase on 19 March to raise money for crisis-pregnancy care charity LIFE, despite having just one lung. 

A viral infection in 2009 paralysed the left side of Ian's diaphragm and cost him the use of his left lung.  ‘My life changed overnight,' says Ian, who was 45 at the time.  ‘I've always been very active - I've twice led a group to climb the three highest mountains in the UK in 24 hours for charity - and I was determined not to let this disability beat me.

‘At first I found I couldn't even run up the stairs,' Ian continues, ‘let alone attempt anything like the adventures I'd done before.'

 But in 2010, assistant scout leader Ian defied all the odds and completed the gruelling 18-mile Cotswold Marathon, which takes place overnight, followed by a 40-mile walk, both with the scouts.

 ‘My father was a scout all his life and I and my children are following in his footsteps,' says Ian.  ‘He always taught me the value of ‘mind over matter' - so when I'm raising money for LIFE, I won't mind the pain because the pain doesn't matter.'

 National charity LIFE exists to save lives and transform the futures of some of the most disadvantaged children and young people in the UK by supporting vulnerable pregnant mothers and young families through difficult times.  LIFE provides the emotional and practical support they need to turn their lives around.

 ‘Jenny is absolutely giving her all for this cause too,' says Ian.  ‘I am so proud of her.  Together I think we can rise to this challenge because it is for such an important charity.'

-       END -