Bench challenge for man with rare genetic disorder

A man with a genetic disorder has taken part in a special fundraiser that involved sitting on 70 benches to mark his 70th birthday.

Roy Howard, from Chippenham in Wiltshire, was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease in 2024 and suffers with fatigue and long-term hearing difficulties.

He decided to sit on the benches at Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire to raise money for charity the Lily Foundation.

Howard, who has also undergone eye operations and uses a walking stick, told BBC Radio Wiltshire: "Part of my efforts here are to raise awareness and raise the profile of the foundation, with financial support as well."

Mitochondrial disease is a rare and complex genetic disorder that affects people in different ways. There is currently no cure.

The Lily Foundation was founded in 2007 by Liz Curtis in memory of her daughter Lily, who died from the disorder when she was a baby.

Curtis told BBC Wiltshire: "Roy's fundraising effort is a wonderful example of giving back – and what a fantastic sum he's raised to help fight mitochondrial disease.

"Completing this unique challenge took Roy real perseverance and training to build up his strength and stamina, and we're truly grateful to him for a sterling effort."

Howard said he wanted to raise money and "give thanks to the wonder of creation around us".

Ahead of his fundraiser, which took place on Wednesday, Howard established where the "hidden benches" were across Westonbirt Arboretum and created a map to follow.

He ended up sitting on 76 benches after a friend challenged him to go further and raised nearly £2,000 for the charity.

He added: "Physically it's been a bit of a struggle...but I smashed it. I'm really pleased. It's been a lovely day for a worthwhile cause."

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