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Congratulations, Ben and Peter!

You did it!

We’re thrilled to announce that Ben & Peter have made history by becoming the first people ever to cross the Alps in manual wheelchairs, completely unassisted.

From 21 June to 8 July 2025, these two incredible men pushed themselves over 422 km of some of Europe’s toughest mountain terrain, climbing approximately 6,500 meters, all without any motor or power aid.

Fundraising Total: £15,041.57 in donations +Gift Aid raised for Ataxia UK


🚩 The Challenge

Ben Spencer, who lives with the rare neurological condition ataxia, teamed up with his friend Peter to take on one of Europe’s toughest landscapes, the Alps. They pushed their manual wheelchairs over 422 km, climbing around 6,500 m, with no motor or power aid.

This was more than a physical feat; it was a mission to raise awareness of ataxia, fund research, and inspire others to see what is possible.


🙌 Why They Did It

Ben and Peter said:

“We are two men pushing across the Alps to show the world what wheelchair users can do and inspire others to take part in disabled sports. We want to raise awareness of Ben’s rare neurological condition, Ataxia.”


💙 How You Can Help

Even though the challenge is complete, there’s still time to donate and support Ataxia UK’s vital work. Your contribution helps fund research and support services for people living with ataxia and their families.

👉 Donate Now on JustGiving


📸 Follow Their Journey

Relive the adventure with photos, videos, and updates on Instagram, X (Twitter), and Facebook. Join the conversation and help spread the word using #Alps4Ataxia.

Thank you to everyone who has supported Ben & Peter on this incredible journey!


♿ Disability, Inclusion, and Determination

This campaign is about what's possible — challenging perceptions of disability, showcasing adaptive strength, and spotlighting the lived experiences of people with ataxia.

We’re committed to ensuring all our campaigns are accessible, inclusive, and empowering — just like Ben and Peter’s journey.


🧭 Let’s Cross Mountains Together

Whether it’s climbing a mountain, sharing a post, or giving what you can – you’re part of this movement.

📧 Want to support or cover the story?

Email: communications@ataxia.org.uk  

Get involved

Get involved

Raise vital funds this autumn and support those affected by ataxia. From cake bakes, to runs, cycles and more, there's something for everyone.

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Channel 4 Documentary

The Running Community That Changed Lives Forever – New Documentary featuring Ben Spencer

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Blog for Ataxia UK

Share your story with the Ataxia Community through our blog. Your voice matters! 

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Our Open Letter Calling for Access to omaveloxolone

Thanks to you, thousands of people have already joined this call
Let’s keep the momentum going.
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What is ataxia?

In this short video our Friends Dan & Tallulah explain just what ataxia is.

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WE ARE THE LEADING CHARITY IN THE UK THAT SUPPORTS PEOPLE AFFECTED BY ANY OF THE ATAXIAS

HOW WE CAN HELP

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Newly Diagnosed

Information and support if you are newly diagnosed with ataxia

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Our
Helpline

Ataxia UK are here to offer support, information and advice to anyone affected by ataxia

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Research Partners

See who we collaborate with, including other research organisations, pharma and international patient groups and see how to collaborate with us

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Patient Pathways

An important part of Ataxia UK's work is improving treatment and healthcare for people affected by ataxia

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

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FUNDRAISE FOR US

Take part in a challenge or create your fundraiser. Every penny you raise will help those affected by ataxia.

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DONATE

To make either a one off or recurring donation which will help fund research into treatments and cures and supports those affected ataxia

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VOLUNTEER WITH US

Support the ataxia community and volunteer with Ataxia UK. From social media to telephone befriending, there are loads of ways you can make a difference to someone's life.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

I have been working with Ataxia UK for more than 20 years, and during this time, we have worked closely on many projects improving the treatment and care of people with ataxia, and advance the field of ataxia research. Ataxia UK helped to set up and fund the London UCL/UCLH Ataxia Centre, which was then accredited by the charity and has been a great success in providing specialist care for people with ataxia. This is such an exciting time for ataxia research at the moment, and I hope that the programmes being conducted now will one day be translated into effective treatments and the prospect of a cure.

Prof. Paola Giunti

I was first diagnosed with ataxia 12 years ago. At the time, I found it difficult to obtain the correct diagnosis from my local doctor, until I started to do my own research and came across Ataxia UK. After joining the charity, and finding out about the large number of different ataxias, I started to receive medical publications and information from Neurologists about the condition and was finally able to obtain a correct diagnosis of Cerebellar ataxia.

Mr. Barry Fairchild

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