Nathan’s story centers on his experience before and after appearing on Channel 4’s The Hunt: Prey Vs Predator, a physically demanding reality show he joined while living with functional neurological disorder (FND). Determined not to let his condition define or limit him, Nathan entered the competition hoping to challenge himself and demonstrate resilience. As the founder of the FND North West Community Hub, he also viewed the experience as a way to raise awareness and show others living with the disorder that they are capable of pushing beyond perceived limits.
During filming, Nathan struggled with symptoms but remained committed to completing the challenge. He was ultimately the first participant eliminated, but he left the show believing he had proven something important about his strength and determination. At the time, he felt that the most difficult part of the experience was behind him.
However, shortly after production ended, his condition dramatically worsened. Within weeks, he experienced a severe medical crisis involving 17 seizures in a single hour. The episode left him unable to speak and partially paralysed, requiring emergency hospitalization. What initially began during a family occasion quickly escalated into a life-threatening situation that marked a major turning point in his health.
Nathan spent approximately three months in hospital recovering, during which he had to relearn basic functions such as walking and speaking. His recovery process involved transitioning from intensive care support to mobility aids, including a wheelchair and Zimmer frame. Despite the severity of his condition, Nathan has expressed that he does not blame the television production for his deterioration and has praised the crew for their support when he experienced seizures during filming.
Now adjusting to a significantly changed life, Nathan continues to advocate for awareness of functional neurological disorder. His focus has shifted toward education and visibility, aiming to demonstrate that FND is a serious and often disabling condition, but one that people can survive and live with. His story reflects both the unpredictability of chronic neurological illness and his ongoing commitment to helping others understand it.
