A team of staffers from the composite door manufacturer Vista Panels competed the Tough Mudder North West challenge on 10 September, raising more than £13,000 for the son of one of the company’s team members in the process. Kurtis Haley has a rare condition called gluten ataxia which causes the immune system to attack a part of the brain as a response to gluten ingestion.
The seven-strong team finished the obstacle course in an hour and 54 minutes. “Taking on Tough Mudder North West was a testament to the strength, endurance and commitment of the Vista team,” said Keith Sadler, Vista’s managing director, who was one of the team members who completed the challenge.
“Together we faced the challenges of the obstacle course head on, not just as colleagues but as a family united for a very worthy cause,” Keith added. “It was inspiring to see our team come together to support Kurtis and his battle against this rare condition.”
Kurtis was diagnosed with gluten ataxia in 2021, at the age of 19. His gut has been so badly damaged by gluten that antibodies have affected the cerebral part of his brain, resulting in symptoms similar to that of a stroke. Kurtis is unable to walk easily, and has impaired speech and memory.
All of the money raised from the Vista team’s participation in Tough Mudder North West has been donated towards Kurtis’ private speech therapy and rehabilitation costs. “We are grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to his rehabilitation,” said Keith.
“At Vista, we believe in standing by our team members in their times of need. With Tough Mudder, we truly exemplified this.”
To make a donation towards Kurtis’ cause, visit this JustGiving donation link. Read our earlier report on this fundraising challenge here.
