A YOUNG woman from Bury is defying the odds to walk 100 miles in 100 days following her epilepsy diagnosis.

Courtney McDonald, 21, from Elton, was diagnosed with the neurological disorder in November following a series of painful seizures.

The seizures shattered Courtney’s confidence, left her afraid to leave the house and postpone her dreams of working in mental health.

She has entered into the Epileptic Society’s Challenge 100, in which entrants must run, walk or cycle 100 miles in the 100 days between January 1 and April 20, and is looking for sponsors to help her raise money for the charity.

Courtney said: “I entered late on February 3 so I’ve got some catching up to do. But I’ve got my mum, Nicola, with me and some friends by my side so I’m sure I can manage it.

“The Epilepsy Society has given me so many good resources and because of the society, I’ve made friends with other epilepsy patients who have helped me so much so I wanted to give something back.”

Her first seizure came during the Euro 2020 quarter final match between England and Ukraine, in which she collapsed in her bathroom.

Four months later, after the diagnosis, her neurologist referred her to the Epileptic Society’s helpline, which provides support and information for sufferers.

She said: “This disease has been horrible, and I entered the darkest period of my life after the diagnosis because I didn’t want to leave the house.

“I was so scared I’d have another seizure and no-one would know how to help me, because not many people understand epilepsy first aid.”

To sponsor Courtney, visit https://givepenny.com/courtney_mcdonald_challenge_100