Cerebral palsy can’t stop James taking on Munro mission (From East … – East Lothian Courier

A STUDENT with cerebral palsy, who conquered a Munro last year for charity, is getting ready to do it all over again.

James Fontana will lace up his walking boots at the beginning of September as he attempts to reach the top of Ben Lawers, near Pitlochry.

The 19-year-old described reaching the top of of Carn An Tuirc last year as the most difficult thing Ive ever done.

Now he is set to do it again in a bid to raise a four-figure sum for a worthwhile cause.

James, of East Saltoun, is no stranger to taking on charity fundraisers.

Two years ago, he took on a swimathon for Marie Curie and swam 1,500 metres.

Then, last year, he climbed a munro and also completed the Moonwalk half marathon.

On the Munro challenge, James said: At the start I thought this is fine but when you get to the top and it is all rocky that was really difficult.

I was trying to keep my footing and it was definitely a lot harder than the Moonwalk. That takes place in Edinburgh and the terrain is not too difficult.

Im quite good at swimming so that was not too difficult the hardest was Carn An Tuirc.

James, who is studying management with human resources management at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, will be joined by pupils and staff from his former school, Edinburgh Academy.

Last year, more than 30 pupils and members of staff reached the top of the 1,019-metre high Carn an Tuirc, in the Cairngorms near Glenshee.

Septembers climb will present an even taller challenge, with Ben Lawers reaching 1,214 metres.

He told the Courier that cerebral palsy affected his co-ordination and balance, as well as tiring him out.

However, he added: It has obviously affected me throughout my life but I dont make a big deal about it at all.

James, who has a twin brother William, who is studying aeronautical engineering at the University of Glasgow, was confident of reaching the top and raising money for the UK Solidarity Fund, which is run by the British Red Cross.

The charity is looking to raise funds in the aftermath of the terror attack at London Bridge, which came less than two weeks after an attack in Manchester.

People across the country have united to show their support and James was hoping to do his bit.

He said: It is just something that has touched so many people.

It was a massive surprise when it happened and nobody expected it but it affected a lot of people.

More than 20 youngsters and members of staff are expected to join James on the fundraiser, which takes place on September 3.

To make a donation, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/ea-munrochallenge2017

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Cerebral palsy can't stop James taking on Munro mission (From East ... - East Lothian Courier