KRIS King is on a one-man mission to raise awareness and help hunt down a cure for a disease which remains a mystery to the majority of the British public. His latest stunt was to run two marathon distances in two days – a gruelling challenge which he completed last weekend. Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative genetic disorder that affects muscle coordination and leads to cognitive decline and psychiatric problems. The physical symptoms include jerky, involuntary movements and when the disease takes hold of its victim, usually between the ages of 35 and 45, there is an onset of psychiatric problems with patients slipping into dementia. Kris, owner of Vision Health and Fitness, was inspired by Dr Phillip Stavish, the father of a close friend of Kris’ who took him into his own home from the age of 15. Phillip has been an inspiration to Kris growing up and has led an extraordinary life. Kris explains: “He’s quite a character – a great guy. He was a well-respected chiropractor and had his own television show. “He was big into his martial arts – he was highly-rated in karate and at one point fought Chuck Norris at a tournament! “He single-handedly took down an armed robber on the street, receiving a medal for his bravery and gave CPR to someone, saving their life. “Phillip is a remarkable man and it’s so sad to see this happen to him. He knew there was a 50% chance that he would get Huntington’s from his mother but didn’t realise he had it until the symptoms began.” Seeing Phillip’s condition worsen prompted fitness fanatic Kris to do something and he soon put together a string of fundraising events. After holding a race night and a 24-hour challenge in which members of his gym had to lift 1,000,000lbs in weight over their heads. But his biggest challenge was to run from his gym, out to Castleton over the Strines and to the top of Mam Tor – a total of 26 miles on Saturday before running back on the Sunday. Kris had a film crew with him filming the feat and copies will be given to anyone donating £5 or more to his cause – the Huntington’s Disease Association. “It was really tough. My feet are in bits and I could hardly feel my legs,” said Kris. “But I’m determined to raise awareness and money for this charity and I’m going to make it an annual thing. I just need to raise the bar again next year!” He has currently raised just over £2,000 and although his original target was £2,500, he has now set his sights on £5,000.To donate, go to www.justgiving.com-kris-king.