A north Lakes man diagnosed with a debilitating condition seven years ago is set to complete a 214 Wainwrights in 214 days challenge to raise money to fight the disease.
Fifty-year-old father-of-two Neil Doran, of Braithwaite, was diagnosed with lupus in 2017 and at the time was in danger of losing his kidneys due to his immune system attacking the nephrons (filters) in his organs.
But thanks to the NHS and the right medication suppressing his immune system and improving his cardio, Neil is able to live a relatively normal life although he does suffer from medication side effects and lupus flares which causes brain fog and fatigue.
Earlier this year Neil set his sights on conquering all 214 Wainwright peaks in 214 days to raise funds and awareness in support of those affected by lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that can have life-altering impacts.
He has now completed 213 peaks in 195 days and has saved Yewbarrow in the Wasdale valley as his final peak to celebrate with friends and family on Friday August 30.
The challenge for Neil, who runs his own business called APS Partnership Ltd which provides commercial advisory services, started on February 3 with a hike over Barrow, near Keswick.
“It felt so good taking in the views from the summit, I said to a friend: ‘I’m going to bag all of the Wainwrights for charity’,” said Neil, who was also inspired by the fundraising of Keswick’s Duncan and Yvonne Booth for Multiple Sclerosis. “Hiking a fell most days of the week is no small feat but it’s nothing compared to the daily struggles of living with lupus. This journey is about showing that we can overcome obstacles, no matter how insurmountable they may seem.
“The Lake District is a wonderful place to find peace and healing, surrounded by incredible scenery.
“Having struggled with chronic fatigue for many years, I wanted to get fitter and do something for the local community by setting up a lupus group for Cumbria.”
He has so far raised more than £3,130 for Lupus UK, a charity that provides support and information for those affected by lupus while funding vital research into the disease.
For more information about lupus or to donate to the 214in214 challenge, see Neil’s Instagram: 214in214.
