The Epilepsy Research Institute is delighted to be one of the charities supported by Tim Batstone, Chairman of HB Leisure, as he prepares to attempt a summit of Mount Everest in May 2026. Through this extraordinary challenge, Tim aims to raise £250,000 for several causes important to him, including advancing research into epilepsy.
At 67, Tim is seeking to become one of the oldest people to reach the summit of Everest – a formidable undertaking that reflects both his lifelong passion for endurance challenges and his commitment to supporting life-changing research.
His motivation for supporting epilepsy research is deeply personal. In recent years, Tim experienced repeated unexplained collapses that became increasingly frequent and debilitating. During some of these episodes, his heart stopped beating, and although he was fitted with a pacemaker, the incidents continued. However, after extensive investigation and treatment, anti-seizure medication successfully brought these episodes under control, transforming his quality of life.
lNow, through this Everest challenge, Tim is giving back by helping to fund research that could lead to better understanding, treatments and outcomes for other people affected by epilepsy.
Tim Batstone said:
“I am under no illusion about the scale of the challenge ahead, particularly at my age, but Everest has been on my list for many years and I am excited to finally be tackling it. More importantly, this feels like a fantastic opportunity to raise money for a cause that has had a life-changing impact on me.”
Rosemarie Pardington, Chief Executive of the Epilepsy Research Institute, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Tim for taking on this extraordinary challenge in support of epilepsy research. Stories like his highlight both the life-changing impact of existing treatments and the urgent need for continued research. With the right investment and collaboration, we can accelerate progress towards better treatments and, ultimately, a life free from epilepsy for all.”
Tim’s journey to Everest follows a recent high-altitude ascent of Aconcagua (7,000m), the highest peak in the Andes – an important part of his preparation, achieved despite a knee injury. Over the years, he has taken on numerous endurance feats, from circumnavigating Britain on a windsurfer to completing a range of swimming, running, cycling and mountaineering challenges.
Supporters will be able to follow Tim’s progress throughout the expedition and contribute to the fundraising effort via his JustGiving page.