Pounding pavements for epilepsy research

Lester Weatherley (48) of Cliff Bank, Swinton, is walking almost 20 miles over two days in aid of national charity Epilepsy Society.

He and around 15 friends trekked from Swinton to New York Stadium on Saturday and this weekend they will hit the road again, heading for for Hallam FC’s Sheffield ground.

“People raise money for all sorts of causes, but I haven’t seen many working for epilepsy research,” said Lester, who was first diagnosed on his 18th birthday.

“It’s a major disease and a killer — more than 80 people are diagnosed every day and thousands die from fits every year.”

The fundraisers are members of Facebook support group White Rose Epilepsy, which has over 800 fans.

Lester cycled to North Ferriby AFC’s Grange Lane ground last weekend, clocking up almost 50 miles.

He hopes to keep collecting cash on his travels, with a target of £1,000 or more in his sights.

He also hopes to educate about the dos and don’ts of treating someone who is having a fit, after hearing horror stories about friends.

“I keep reading about people being arrested while they’re having fits because the police think they’re drunk,” said Lester.

“They’re very ill and they’re being put in cells — it’s just wrong.”

He added: “Most people don’t know how to deal with a person having a fit. I heard last weekend about a friend who had a fit in a Swinton pub.

“Someone put their hand in his mouth to stop him swallowing his tongue, but that’s a good way to lose your finger.

“Someone else laid him on his back, but you should always lie a fitting person on their side.

“Just a little education about epilepsy could really save lives.”

For more information www.facebook.com/groups/whiteroseepilepsy.