THE CHALLENGE - My Iron Man Dad
Вставка
- Опубліковано 7 вер 2024
- In June 2015 Alex Smith completed a full Iron distance triathlon, known as the toughest single day challenge you can undertake, carrying his 40kg disabled son the whole way. An epic achievement for his son, who is dying from a fatal muscle wasting disease: Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Hi everyone, it seems our movie has been getting a bit of extra traction of late which is absolutely fantastic for awareness of Duchenne! Thank you to each and every one of you that has watched it and commented or reached out... it means so so much!
A number of you have asked for an update, so here goes with a brief(ish) one.
We are still working hard and funding medical research as fast as we can but have yet to find a successful treatment here in the UK for Duchenne. There are a number of potential therapies in clinical trial a d we remain hopeful that one of them will prove successful whilst we continue to fund those scientists and research projects we believe will work soon too,
Harrison is now 14, a teenager... time moves too fast and is now a full time power chair user. He’s happy but he’s very aware he’s getting weaker and totally aware that without a breakthrough his life will be cut short. It’s a hard journey but he is an amazing g you g man, brave beyond belief and an inspiration to me.
We’ll continue to work as hard and fast as we can and thank each and every one of you for your support.
As ever to find out more about our work www.harrisonsfund.com is a mine of information and event signups as well as our newsletter that comes out once a month with lates news and updates on us, Harrison and the work we do.
Much love to all
Alex and Harrison xx
Wish you and your kid all the best, may god bless your family
My prayers are with your family....
Scanning for something to watch (as you do when you're about to hop on the treadmill) and came across your film. Goodness, what a powerful film it is and what an incredble record for you, Harrison and the rest of your family for years to come. Having done the Iron journey myself, I know the physical stresses it puts upon you and the comprimises it demands (for everyone). With tears in my eyes (I only finished watching 5 minutes ago, and putting Harrison and funraising aside for a moment, I wanted to say a massive well done to you for a fabulous athletic achievement. What ever your fitness goals are now, I hope you are making time for you and keeping some modest swimming, biking and running going. Regarding Harrison, fund raising and the future ..... I have no idea what the triathlon race calender looks like for 2021 .... nobody does! But when I next race, I will be racing for Harrison with a sponsorship form pinned to my trisuit. Well done Team Harrison. Mike. 07942859823
Absolutely beautiful and amazing.
@@EnhanceWellbeing Mike thank you so much for the lovely message and for taking the time to watch! We’d love to have you race for us some time, hopefully that calendar starts to look a bit better very soon! That race almost broke me but I’m on the road back, but more likely in the pool and the lake and a bit of Olympic lifting, never was awfully keen on the bike sadly. Happy training! Alex x
"If your cards are dealt you need to play with them. So I play with these cards." Best dad ever.
Klemen thanks for the kind words, think I’m just a regular dad doing what I need to but thank you all the same, Alex x
"It feels very bizarre to have a film crew with the average bloke..." Mate, absolutely NOTHING average about you, or your family. Each one of you inspirational in different ways. Salute
Thanks Nick for the incredibly kind words! Alex x
You really are an inspiration! My sister suffers from Spinal Muscular Atrophy so we can really relate to what your family goes through. The movie had me wiping away the tears the whole way through.
Thank you for watching and the lovely message, love to your sister and family! Alex x
This man is a machine! Best wishes to him and his family
Thanks Maria! Worked hard, made an engine... not a particularly quick engine but an engine nonetheless ;) Alex x
No words can describe how great father you are!
That’s very kind of you Ahmed, Alex x
been a PT for years i never cried on a treadmill run until watching this f.... inspirational video.
Thank you! Must have made for an interesting session! Thanks so much for watching. Alex x
I’m a dad and I’ve done an Ironman and training for my second, 15 weeks out. This man, this father had my crying like a baby. What an inspiration both him and Harrison. Amazing humans! From Australia
Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to write, always means a lot! Best of luck with the next race!! Alex x
Truly inspirational family. Alex, you're not the average bloke. I'll do my first 70.3 in Weymouth September, 2021. I'll be thinking of you and following your journey to the breakthrough medication to get Harrison himself to do an Ironman with his brother at some point. Best, Peter
Best of luck in Weymouth Peter, I did the long course a few years back and had my best day! Thanks for the kind words too! Alex x
Inspiring and absolutely amazing. It's hard to watch without crying being a father myself.
Thanks Pascal, despite the challenges I’ve turned into a blubbering mess just being a dad, I hear ya! Alex x
Amazing. You are all amazing. I could not Imagine going through any of this. Hugs to you all.
Thanks Amber! It’s amazing what one can do when you need to! Alex x
I am sitting here and tears are flowing, such an amazing family.
Thanks so much for watching and the kind words Sina! Alex x
I enjoyed this soo much today that I have had to watch this again tonight to show my wife ❤️
Lee you are a star! Hope you enjoyed the 2nd time and that your wife also enjoyed it? Thanks so much for commenting, means so much to hear that it’s touched people, Alex x
OMG, I cried so much through that, you are what makes the world a better place, not just by helping to change Duchenne prognosis but by your very attitude towards everything. You show us how we are supposed to just simply 'be' (if that makes sense). I hope you accomplish all that you set out to do, you deserve it all. Bless you all
Oh wow Alex, thank you so much for that, really does mean a lot! And thank you for watching! Alex x
Oh my god, you are such a beautiful father. I Wish god gives you and your Family strength to cope Up with this Problem. I Wish that a miracle Happens and your son Recovers from this and start living a normal Life. God Bless you all. People Like you give strength to everyone and motivate everyone Not to give Up and Fight everyday.
Thank you very much for the kind words and for watching the movie! Alex x
Wow that was a pure lump in the throat watch. You are an inspiration to us all and you should feel totally proud of that great achievement and support. ❤️❤️👌
Very kind of you to comment Lee! Thank you for taking the time to watch, really appreciated, Alex x
You wouldn’t believe the inspiration this gives to us all that what we find is tough really isn’t, you make us see life in a different light and anything is possible. We wish you all love and support and I would love to join you in a supporting race one day🤞🏻
The tears accompanied me by watching your film. So touching and inspiring. Your story and your path give meaning to the word hope.
Thanks Lionel, really appreciate your support! Alex x
I remember seeing or reading about this family before. What a film. So many heroes from the kids, the parents, the extended family, the teachers, the researchers to the helpers. Just wow. Very inspiring. People like this are what make ordinary humans great humans. May all the gods bless you all.
Thank you Channel Wanderer! Really appreciate that! Alex x
This is by far the best I've ever watched. Ever. I'm so prould of you mate. Uve done the u thinkin here. Mind over matter. Witch most cannot do. As much as l push in life and the battles and also havin a high end autistic son. But this really moved me. Not only should you become a star but an iron man hero.... Lion heart. Belive to active.
That’s very kind of you to take the time Mitch! Onwards! Alex x
I will b praying for the boy. He's he lovely lad he is. As hard as life is and gets. We somehow have to find the innerstrenth to battle throw it all. And yes life really is unfair as we only get one life. No one sees the inner demons inside our heads and what's really goin on. If there was more like yourself this world would b in a better place and much more to offer.
good luck and godspeed, your love is truly unconditional and this fact is why your son will be alright
Thanks for watching Ben, working hard to make a difference for Harrison and all those affected by Duchenne, Alex x
beyond inspirational, wish you, Harrison and the rest of the family all the best
Daniel Kopecky thanks Daniel! Really appreciate you taking the time to watch :) Alex
What an amazing story. I was looking for something to watch during a Z4 intervals trainer work out I was absolutely dreading doing. Popped this on and forgot completely about my legs, even added 5 watts to the last two because you guys were so inspiring. Thank you for the update, I'm so glad to hear that Harrison is happy. I wish him, you, and the rest of your beautiful family nothing but the best. Thank you for making and sharing this
Ah thank you so much! Really happy we helped with the dreaded interval session! Alex x
Just finished watching and unfortunately missed the Hawksman 10k for your fund. I will make sure to participate to the next one and sharing this video to raise awareness about what you do! Wishing you all the best, stay strong!
Thanks a lot Tania! We’d love to have you involved, Alex x
You are an inspiration for everyone in the world, Dad power is limitless
You’re very kind Gianluca, thank you! 🙏 Alex x
Absolute star! The world needs more people like you! 🙏
Cheers Alvaro! Alex x
I’ve cried watching this video probably 100 times. In March of this year I was diagnosed with transverse myelitis (1/1000000) and thought I would never walk again. Luckily I was fortunate enough to slowly get a bit better and I can finally walk properly. This disease is incurable and most don’t end up recovering, luckily for me I might end up fully recovering, although EVERY single day I’m in an unexplainable amount of pain. The reason I say all this is because ever since it happened I’ve promised myself that I would complete an Ironman to raise money and hopefully fight off this absolutely horrible disease, just like you do in this video. Most days I can’t even walk a kilometre but every single day is a fight that I must win if I want to eventually do it. This video popped up in my recommended and has given me the motivation to keep going and never quit. I’ve learnt more in the past 8 months than in my entire 18 years on this planet. One thing I’ve learnt is that the truth is life isn’t fair and it never was meant to be fair. Every single day people deal with problems worse than mine, like yourself, and the only way I believe I have been able to get through this is by realising life is a battle every day and every day I wake up is an opportunity to show the world that no matter how hard things get, you just can’t quit. I will donate as much as I can to your cause because I can understand that every single day you guys deal with challenges you never knew you would face but u manage to stay strong and to me there is nothing harder on this planet. I wish the best of luck to everyone dealing with your sons disease and I pray a treatment can be found. Thankyou for this video and your relentless effort to help your son, and many others lives.
Mate, reading your story is inspiring to me too! Your attitude is spot on and for someone so young that is incredible! Keep pushing, keep believing, will what you want into existence and like you say never give up! Onwards mate onwards! Alex x
@@HarrisonsFund thanks so much for replying i really look up to someone as strong as you. You are inspiring so many people around the world with this. I've been through a lot of dark times to finally realise how important my attitude is to dealing with difficult cirumstances. Best wishes and again i thank you from the bottom of my heart this stuff means everything to me.
What a fantastic family you are. Amazing. I’m training for a full Ironman and would love to raise money for your charity. I’d never even heard of muscular dystrophy. I truly hope you get some good fortune for Harrison.
Hi Scott, thanks for the message, we’d love to have you involved! Feel free to reach out on Alex@harrisonsfund.com cheers Alex x
Great dad ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😇
Thanks Pla, really kind of you to watch and to comment, Alex x
Absolutely incredible, I cried with joy at the final line of yours, congratulations you’re a very strong man, all the good lucky for your family!
Best Regards from Brazil 🇧🇷
Brunno, thank you so much for watching and for the kind words! Alex x
Just finishing watching and touch my heart. Doesn't matter what will happen but your son always be proud of you. Hope Harrison will be fine. All the best mate. Truly inspiring
Cheers Hugo! Really appreciate the kind words! Onwards we go... Alex x
Dear Family, you going through a challenge that many people in world doesn't even know it exists, battle with your son disease and trying to find cure for it. You are all together a family to look up for and admire. I wish nothing but best for you and hope there is still chance for your little boy. Best of luck in further challenges! I will help as much as I can!
Really kind of you to comment Franko! Thank you for watching and for the kind words. Alex x
Great video and Very inspirational. I'll be doing my first half iron man this weekend and I'll be sure to remember you guys. Stay strong!!
Best of luck this weekend! Race well! And thanks for watching! Alex x
All such massive inspirations crying my eyes out at the end wish you and your family all the best.
Thanks Jack! Really appreciate you taking the time to watch it and comment! Alex x
I salute you and your stubbornness, being a father to a wonderful boy with a disability I found a coping mechanism in running. What you did is beyond inspirational and made me thirsty for a half iron man.
I'm also stubborn, so I guess it's just a matter of time and training until I reach my goal.
Best wishes to you and your wonderful family and remember to keep positive!
Definitely get after it! you won't regret it for a second... thanks so much for watching 👊🏻 Alex x
What an amazing story.......came across you and your amazing son one evening at the Emirates......reading the match programme at half time .......followed your journey from that evening....can’t believe it’s been that long.....just as inspirational as the first time I watched you......take care and all the best from Swansea
Oh wow! Yes we were in the stadium that night too, Gooners family here... 😉 thanks so much! Alex x
Aww this has finished me off, I tried not to cry but failed.
Youre all very inspirational, I wish you all the very best. ❤
Thanks so much for sticking with it Dan and fir the kind words, Alex x
I’ve done 8 full IM so I know just how hard they are...and that was without towing another little human. What a great inspiration you are! ☺️
Thanks Lisa, 8, that’s quite an achievement in itself! I’ve managed 5 in total so far, thank you so much for watching and for your kind words Alex x
Absolutely amazing and inspirational. God bless u and your family.
Very kind of you to say Nitin x
Awesome! So proud of this dad and the whole family.
Thank you Arnold! Alex x
Awesome job Alex and Harrison. Having hauled my kids around on racing strollers and bike trailers for years, and finishing several Half IM's, I can almost imagine the physical and mental challenge you faced with a full IM, took it on, and overcame the always present race-day gremlins. Tremendous courage and strength. To the producers, a very well done film. I didn't see the sliced onions, but certainly felt them. Peace...
Thanks Stephen! Really kind of you to watch and comment :) the producers and director were amazing the whole way through! Alex x
What an amazing inspirational video. Having a young son myself this really got to me. What you and your wife go through on a daily basis must be so hard. I was meant to be doing my first half ironman until covid put a stop to that. But this has given me the drive to go for a full ironman. And if i can help raise funds for harrisons fund it would be my honour! You should be so proud of what you are doing for your son and all the other boys with duchenne!
Good on ya mate 👍
Thanks for watching Jonathan! Really appreciate you taking the time to and commenting! Good luck with training and race day when you’re allowed back! Alex x
You’re both Winning Attitude at its purest being! You two, the whole family and support team. Your story got me really emotional. Wish you the best! Always open if you would like to share your story and raise awareness in Latam through the podcast.
Thanks so much for watching guys!! Alex x
Very inspirational 🙏🏻 Should be an example for the whole world! Wish you the best.
Maløha, thank you so much for the comment and for watching the movie! Alex x
Powerful and moving!
Thanks a lot for watching Bryan! Alex x
Well, that has put my so called problems in perspective. That was very intense and inspiring to watch. I wish you all the best of luck!
Thanks for watching Yvonne! I like to think we all feel the same emotions no matter the scale Alex x
I hope you guys are safe and sound. Will be praying for you❤ a true inspiration
Thank you Shaymaa! Alex x
What a story - I have 3 sons myself and it truly touched me, really inspiring from start to finish and genuine tears at the end. Really well done Alex and Harrison, you guys are incredible. With the support of your family anything is impossible. I did my first 70.3 this year and have been looking for the little push required to get me to commit to a full IM - think I just found it. Well done!
Thanks Stephen for watching and taking the time to comment! Go get the full IM done, trust me you won’t regret it! Alex x
Absolutely fantastic 👏 great achievement for a important cause. Your guys are an influence to many. Believe and go forth and conquer. Take care 🙂
Thanks Jamie! Still driving forward at a sprint... thanks so much for the kind words and encouragement! Alex x
Just finished watching this with my wife (2nd time I have watched the film myself) and it was just as inspirational and challenging as the first time. I have recommended this to everyone over the last couple of months. Holding out hope for further development of treatment. Signing up for my first half Ironman for next year...and this makes me want to jump straight to the full. It’s a mental battle, and I am so appreciative of your selfless inspiration. Keep up the fight!!! Do you have race shirts or merch that helps to raise funds?
Hi Jason, thanks so much for pushing the recommendations and for the supportive words, always appreciated! We do have merch etc so please do drop me a line on alex@harrisonsfund.com and we’ll sort that out :) Alex x
Amazing , very inspiring. Touches the soul. God bless you and your family
Thank you, Alex x
Beautiful.
What an absolute legend 🙌
Thank you! 🙏 Alex x
Truly inspiring, you're the real "Iron Dad".
Thanks so much for watching Lothar! Alex x
Wow amazing! God bless you and your family🙏🏽🙌🏾
Very kind of you to comment Mark! thank you 🙌🏻 Alex x
Your both amazing. Fantastic effort. Keep on going 👍
Always moving forward Jim :) thanks so much for watching, Alex x
Beautiful and inspiring. God bless.
Ah thanks Juneau! Alex x
Absolutely incredible!
Thanks Donato, Alex x
@@HarrisonsFund my pleasure. Love to you and all your family and friends.
amazing and aweresome ! that's must teach to all people what is the real love !
Thank you! Alex x
Wow, truly inspiring story. Congrats on your achievement and good luck to you and your family going forward:-)
Thanks Stuart! Really appreciate you taking the time to watch. Alex x
Wow. I'm not crying, you're crying! On a real though, that was so inspiring.
Looks like it’s both of us... still gets me every time I watch it! Alex x
Amazing mate true inspiration 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Thanks so much guys! Really glad you enjoyed it! Alex x
so powerfull thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching Alper! Alex x
Amazing watch, incredible achievement!
Thanks Nick! Alex x
So inspiring...good luck to you
Thank you for watching and commenting Loukas! Alex x
Absolutely amazing!!!
Thank you Maureen! Alex x
@@HarrisonsFund Alex, I live in Massachusetts and have followed the Hoyts journey, yours is equally amazing‼️
@@maureenjohnson6671 those two were truly unstoppable!
Truly inspiring 🙌
Cheers Hiren! 👊🏻🙌🏻 Alex x
Outstanding privilege to watch your journey. A real bastion of human endeavor and perseverance. God’s speed with the search for a cure. Please keep us all updated. Stay safe.
Thanks so much Daniel, really appreciate that ! Alex x
God bless this family.
This is freaking nuts!!!!
It felt nuts at the time too! Thanks for watching Dith! Alex x
For those that want to donate, please click on the link: harrisonsfund.com/
Incredible
Thank you! X
great, my best wishes
Thanks a lot Andreas! Alex x
can we get an update on the situation pls
muito top
Cheers Robson :) Alex x
grande uomo grande papà
I defy anybody to watch this with dry eyes.
Thanks so much for watching Robert, it gets me every time too!! Alex x
Where can we donate? Inspiring stuff!!!!
Hi Jake, that’s really kind of you to offer to donate... 👍🏻👍🏻 best place is www.harrisonsfund.com and the big orange button :)
We’re shooting a film.
Good luck Randy, Alex x
Congratulations, very good video, I was walking mixed by slow jogging 80 km per day for 60 days(Athens 15th international ultra marathon festival 2020 in age 64) I did 4750 kilometers! In total time 60 days, What do u think? Is that good?.
I think that’s bloody incredible Michail!! Alex x
@@HarrisonsFund Thanks so much for your so good comment, ❤️looking the video just I am thinking there are people much more hard working than me, and for me always I am thinking that I am lucky person..
How is Harrison doing now?
Hi Chris, he’s doing okay thanks, he’s getting weaker still but in so many ways is a true superhero! Alex x
OMG FairPlay to all .......😭😭😭😭😍😍😍😍
Thanks Jay! Alex x
@@HarrisonsFund Brilliant story thanks for bringing it to my screen and publicising it!! Your a beast of a Ironman too!! Come to Ireland for its Ironman soon!!
Anybody know the name of the song at the end?
Jason Wong apart from the obvious Bon Jovi with Harrison the rest are all an original score by Jake Walker - thanks for watching! Alex x
So
👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🏊♂️🚴🏽♂️🏃🤜🏅
like
👍🏻
Absolutely fantastic 👏 great achievement for a important cause. Your guys are an influence to many. Believe and go forth and conquer. Take care 🙂
Thank you so much, your comments mean a lot to us! Alex x