So, on we go in preparation for the 2026 Xtreme Hike from Rim to Rim of the Grand Canyon on October 8th - 11th, a fundraiser supporting National Ataxia Foundation!
I am Jonathan Stone, a 67 year old performer /musician /writer based in London UK. I was diagnosed with Spino-Cerebellar Ataxia (SCA17) in March 2017.
Ataxia is currently classed as an ‘incurable’ condition. Some have it much worse than I do. But the diagnosis still shocked me, since then, I have learned to live with my Ataxia.
I look forward to undertaking this challenge and raise funds for research into this devastating condition by hiking the Grand Canyon.
A couple of days ago, I ran into the Scots taxi driver who lives nearby. He was charging his electric taxi by the side of Marylebone station. He asked me why I was trudging London streets in a heatwave with hiking poles. When I told him about hiking the Grand Canyon, he told me his story.
I didn’t know he was a hiker. He told me that he'd just done the 3 peak challenge (the tallest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland.) It took him two hours to go up Ben Nevis ( the tallest mountain in Scotland) which is similar height to Grand Canyon (1350'metres).
‘Keep going, keep doing the miles and practice going uphill and downhill, on stairs Parliament Hill, Greenwich, anywhere' he said encouragingly.
15% more each week they say …
So far so good …but I need your help too! Every donation—big or small—helps me reach my fundraising goal for the National Ataxia Foundation.
You can help by donating or sharing my story:
- Donate: Contribute whatever you can. No amount is too small!
- Share My Story: Share my fundraising page with your friends, family, and social networks. Let’s spread awareness.
We love your support,
Thank you,
Jonathan