Bodmin Dad Takes on Three Peaks Challenge After Son’s Harrowing Battle with Epilepsy

A Father’s Mission to Raise £5,000 for the Epilepsy Society

Kieran Ondrak from Bodmin is preparing to take on the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge this July to raise £5,000 for the Epilepsy Society, a cause deeply personal to him and his family. The challenge will see him scale the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales within three days – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon.

Kieran’s motivation stems from his son Rio’s terrifying battle with epilepsy. A week before Rio’s first birthday, his mother found him in his cot lifeless, cold, and blue. Paramedics managed to revive him, but he was soon engulfed in a relentless seven-hour seizure. Despite the best efforts of up to 15 medical professionals, none of the treatments initially worked. As a last resort, doctors placed him in an induced coma for 24 hours before he finally stabilised.

“All the thoughts went through my head – Is he going to make it to see his first birthday? What’s the long-term damage? Is he suffering?” Kieran recalled. Thankfully, Rio made a remarkable recovery and was home just in time to celebrate his first birthday.

Facing Ongoing Challenges

Since that initial episode, Rio has endured multiple hospital stays, tests, and treatments. In October 2023, another severe seizure led to further hospital admissions, after which he was prescribed the anti-epileptic medication Levetiracetam. Despite the treatment, he has continued to experience absent seizures and convulsions. He now has an emergency medication to stop prolonged seizures, but his resilience has remained unwavering.

“Despite these challenges, Rio remains a super happy and social little boy who is well-behaved and always cheerful,” said Kieran.

Climbing for a Cause

To support children like Rio, Kieran will be joined by his brother-in-law and his mother’s partner for the Three Peaks Challenge. Over three days, the group will climb Mount Snowdon in Wales, Scafell Pike in England, and Ben Nevis in Scotland, pushing their limits to raise funds and awareness for epilepsy.

Kieran is urging the public to support his fundraiser, with donations going directly to the Epilepsy Society.

“Your generous support will make a meaningful difference in the lives of children battling epilepsy,” he said.

To support Kieran, visit his JustGiving page.