Eight Leicestershire based heroes known as The Peaky Climbers have begun their training for the Three Peaks in 24 hours Challenge in support of children’s health service and research charity, Young Epilepsy. Backing the group as its corporate sponsor is the in-home and online tutoring franchise, Tutor Doctor, which is continuing to affirm its support of charity fundraising in the UK. 

Started by Jozef Michalska, The Peaky Climbers is a family led fundraising group set up for their eight-year-old daughter Konni, who has spent her life suffering from severe epilepsy. 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. Now, after raising over £5,500 for Young Epilepsy alone after braving the big shave and donating her hair to the Little Princess Trust, Tutor Doctor has committed to supporting The Peaky Climbers as the group gives back to the charity that has done so much for the family. 

“Young Epilepsy has been supporting Konni for years through struggles with mental health, education, friendships and more,” said Konni’s mum, Lynda. “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. We’re thankful to Tutor Doctor for recognising the scale of our efforts and Konni’s story.”

Sally Brighton, Director of Fundraising and Engagement at Young Epilepsy added, “Without the help and support from fundraisers such as 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.”

According to a study of school children with epilepsy conducted by Epilepsy Action¹, children with epilepsy find it more difficult to learn, have problems with their memory and have problems with the speed at which information can be processed. Tutor Doctor’s national franchise operation has recognised the unwavering support Young Epilepsy has provided to Konni and her whole family, and as such has joined the fundraising campaign in committing wholeheartedly to raising awareness and supporting the charity’s lifechanging research. As Konni continues to recover at home as she plans for cake sales and other fundraising campaigns with The Peaky Climbers’ getting one step closer to the ultimate test, her work is only just beginning.

“We’re proud to have the opportunity to show our support of a truly inspirational charity campaign,” said Global President of Tutor Doctor, Frank Milner. “Konni is a credit to herself and her family. As we continue to find more ways to show our support for children in all walks of life, Konni’s story is one that will resonate across the whole franchise network. While tutoring and education is at the heart of what we do, there’s always space to celebrate just how amazing children are by supporting deserving charities. The entire network at Tutor Doctor wishes The Peaky Climbers the best of luck as they train ahead of embarking on the Three Peaks Challenge later this year.”