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. 

Fear, tiredness, safety, imbalance, confidence

This morning 4th August 26th I got up early and, on waking felt good about going on a long training walk, I walked to Paddington, leaving home much later than planned but felt fragile, unbalanced, nearly tripped twice. I stopped and drank water and coffee by the canalside at Paddington Basin and wondered what I was doing taking on the Grand Canyon. It sometimes feels it is a crazy self centred idea and there are other things I do better, so why waste every waking moment worrying and preparing for it? At other times I feel it is possible and love the world and just need to be positive and ignore tiredness imbalance and caution, feeling they are all negative energy. 

Hmm.. negative energy or realistic wisdom? 

    Both! And I walk, picking my way between the two possibilities, 

    That is my path. 

    On and on we go …

‘Keep going, keep doing the miles  and practice going uphill and downhill, on stairs Parliament Hill, Greenwich, anywhere' 

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,

For more information on the National Ataxia Foundation, 

visit our website at ataxia.org