Karl plans to raise a mountain of cash for research into epilepsy

Karl plans to raise a mountain of cash for research into epilepsy

Karl Donnan will pull on his hiking boots next Friday (June 12) in a bid to reach the top of Mont Blanc and raise money for research into epilepsy.

His inspiration for the climb, which will raise money for the National Society for Epilepsy (NSE), is his son Ross who was born with a rare and as yet undiagnosed form of epilepsy in May last year.

Karl and his friend Richard Chapman, whose own son Archie died of a brain tumour when he was 14 months old, had planned their original fundraising trek to the top of Western Europe’s tallest mountain for the summer of 2008.

Karl, who lives in Great Bookham and works for Unilever in Leatherhead, said: “After Ross was born, I could not commit the hours required to complete the training needed to attempt Mont Blanc, so Richard and I decided to postpone our fundraising effort; we would still climb Mont Blanc but in 2009. We also agreed that all future sponsorship would go to the NSE.

“I am amazed how little is known about the human brain, especially the infant brain, and there are many different types of epilepsy for which no treatment has yet been found. The NSE carries out research into the condition and helps people with epilepsy and their families; I hope its research work may provide a breakthrough for Ross.”

Intrepid Karl was hoping to raise at least £4,810 - £1 for every metre in height of Mont Blanc’s highest peak. However he has now had to convert metres to feet -15,781 feet – as sponsorship has more than tripled!

He said: “It’s very touching that people are inspired to raise money to help.” To sponsor Karl, visit: www.justgiving.com/archiesmountain.blogspot.com

ends