Leicestershire heroes ‘The Peaky Climbers’ begin training for Young Epilepsy charity fundraising
Eight Leicestershire heroes known as The Peaky Climbers have recently gone above and beyond to start conversations around epilepsy to raise awareness and fundraise to make a difference for people affected by the condition. The group, to mark the importance of continuing to support epilepsy awareness following this year’s Purple Day, have kicked off their training ahead of embarking on the Three Peaks in 24 hours Challenge later this year in support of children’s health service and research charity, Young Epilepsy.
Started by Jozef Michalska, The Peaky Climbers is a local family led fundraising group set up for their eight-year-old daughter Konni, who has spent her life suffering from severe epilepsy until earlier this year. Undergoing brain surgery as a preventative measure having previously suffered from up to 50 seizures a day, Konni is now 12 weeks seizure free with her ongoing recovery continuing to look positive. She has raised over £5,500 for Young Epilepsy alone, recently braving the big shave, which also saw her donate her hair to the Little Princess Trust.
“Konni is a credit to us all,” said Konni’s mum, Lynda. “Having picked up on her condition at a very young age, Young Epilepsy has been supporting Konni for years through struggles with mental health, education, friendships and more. Although we feel positive about Konni’s surgery, there’s still such a long way to go in her recovery. We certainly felt that we couldn’t turn our backs on the incredible team at Young Epilepsy and their continued inspiring work. Our fundraising efforts leading up to the Three Peaks Challenge this summer is our way of saying thank you.
“Konni has a new lease of life! She feels so much better both mentally and physically – a full night’s sleep is just the half of it! Getting Konni to where she is today wouldn’t have been possible without Young Epilepsy.”
In recognition of the unwavering support Young Epilepsy has provided, the whole family, including Konni, has committed wholeheartedly to giving back. Continuing to recover at home, Konni’s resilience and strength has been widely commended by the community. Having turned on the Christmas lights in December last year, and with the in-home and online tutoring company, Tutor Doctor, sponsoring the entire Three Peaks Challenge later this year, her work for Young Epilepsy has been incredible. With further plans for local cake sales and other fundraising campaigns as The Peaky Climbers’ get one step closer to the ultimate test, the whole community will have plenty of opportunities to show their support for Konni and her family.
Sally Brighton, Director of Fundraising and Engagement at Young Epilepsy said, “Epilepsy in childhood can be frightening, isolating and is often misunderstood. We stand up for children and young people with epilepsy. We’re here for them. We campaign for children’s rights. We provide innovative tools, information, and practical support for living everyday life. We coordinate world renowned research into the causes and treatments of epilepsy and deliver cutting edge health services.
“Without the help and support from fundraisers such as the ‘The Peaky Climbers’ and their corporate partner, Tutor Doctor, we wouldn’t be able to help as many young people as we do. Choosing to fundraise for Young Epilepsy helps us to create a society in which children and young people with epilepsy thrive. We’re excited to see The Peaky Climbers take on the famous Three Peaks Challenge this summer and wish them every success in their training.”
For more information or to donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/3peaksin24hoursyoungepilepsy
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