Epilepsy Society: Fermanagh team's charity Cuilcagh climb

Hannah Baxter has suffered all her life with West Syndrome which manifests itself in almost daily epileptic seizures. For 33 years, she has needed care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Group of climbers! Missing from photo is Helen Lyttle, Hannah’s cousin, as she took the photo.

Specialist hospital

In February 2019, Hannah was referred to a specialist hospital in Norfolk, England.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter, Hannah’s sister Naomi Morrison explained that Hannah’s treatment plan was initially for six months but then Covid hit.

“She ended up staying there for two and a half years.

“This was horrendous for Hannah and us as a family - due to lockdown and the hospital restrictions we were unable to visit her. Hannah did not see any member of her family for 18 months,” said Naomi, calling Hannah the “core” of her family: “We absolutely adore her.”

Naomi went on to explain that when Hannah had received the treatment that she needed in Norfolk and was ready for discharge, the family hit another stumbling block.

“There was no suitable provision for Hannah in Northern Ireland. Her condition was now such that she could no longer be cared for at home - a real wrench for mummy and daddy, and us all.

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“Thankfully, after much hard work by her consultant and social workers, a provision was secured in County Cavan,” said Naomi, noting that Hannah now resides there and receives 2:1 care 24/7 for which her family are “most grateful”.

“We are able to pop down and visit Hannah any time and in fact as a real treat on Mother’s Day Hannah was able to make the journey to Lisbellaw to spend a few hours with mummy and daddy,” she added.

So grateful to get Hannah back on Irish soil, Naomi explained that she and her family wanted to do something in return.

“I follow the Epilepsy Society UK and noticed they were planning a ‘Challenge 100’ fundraising event. The idea was to walk 100 miles within 100 days.

“The 100 days started on January 2022 and ended on April 10. To add a little extra to the challenge I suggested to family members and friends that we should climb Cuilcagh on April 10 as a celebration for completing the challenge,” said Naomi.

On April 10, ‘Team Hannah’, consisting of Hannah’s friends and family all wearing purple Epilepsy Society ‘Challenge 100’ t-shirts, embarked on their Cuilcagh climb in support of what Hannah and thousands of others in the UK have to suffer due to this quality of life limiting condition. With West Syndrome, it is unknown when or where the next seizure will occur with each one damaging the brain and cognition that little bit more.

Hannah’s parents Noel and Eva Baxter along with Edwin and Margaret Morrison (my in-laws) who came to greet us on our way down.

Great success

The team had great success, reaching the summit and returning to the base in good time.

“My father-in-law Edwin Morrison even took on the 100 mile challenge. Edwin came through life-threatening surgery during Covid and a heart attack, in the midst of his 100 challenge he also had a defibrillator fitted and still managed to complete the 100 miles before many of the rest of us!” said Naomi.

“We have been totally overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of friends and family, both through the Facebook fundraising page and personal donations. Initially we thought if we raised £500 for epilepsy it would be marvellous,” said Naomi, noting that the total raised is now over £2,000, far exceeding their expectations.

“Our total is now just over £2000 with a few more donations still to come.

“The overall total the Epilepsy Society has raised through the Challenge 100 is sitting at £84,575. Every penny raised will be used to help improve the quality of life for those living with Epilepsy,” Naomi told this newspaper.