A BASINGSTOKE dad who set himself a bizarre challenge to walk up Mount Snowdon in a full suit armour to raise money for a friend with Lyme disease has completed the gruelling mission.

Steve Scaddan embarked on the charity challenge to raise money for friend Briony Hunt, who was bitten by a tick as a toddler and now suffers with various health issues as a result, including Lyme disease.

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Now in her late 20s, Briony suffers debilitating symptoms caused by the disease, and is funding her own medical treatment which is not available in the UK.

Steve, a father-of-one, who works for Hampshire County Council, met Briony 10 years ago when he photographed her in a dance show.

The 50-year-old from South View said: “Over the time I have known her I have seen her having to withdraw more and more from the activities she loves due to the debilitating effects of the illness.

“In the past she tried to carry on without making people aware of the impact on her, but over the last few years it has been so bad that she cannot conceal it.”

Steve, who is a Scout leader with Sixth Basingstoke Scouts, completed the challenge on May 4, taking five hours to reach the peak of Mount Snowdon and another three hours and 40 minutes to descend.

Afterwards, he said he would “never do it again”, adding: “My pace from Clogwyn station onwards became a crawl as my legs were getting too tired to step properly without resting every 100 metres or so. So, it was a nightmare getting up the steep slopes.”

However, his thoughts were with Briony as he climbed the highest mountain in Wales.

He said: “She feels like she’s on fire some of the time because everything hurts and she’s fatigued. She never wants sympathy or support and has tried to get on with things.”

He thanked those who supported him during the walk, carrying kit, food and water on the journey.

Steve, who bought the three stone suit of jousting armour for £250, was also delighted to raise more than £2,400 which will be split between Briony and The Anthony Nolan Trust.

The dad has been on the trust’s register for 30 years but has never been a match for someone in need of stem cells.

He said the fundraising challenge was a way for him to continue supporting the charity as he reaches an age when he may need to be removed from the donor register.

To sponsor him visit bit.ly/knight-snowdon.

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