Jamie climbs Everest to highlight 'cruel disease'

A PLYMOUTH man is embarking on a once in a lifetime challenge while raising funds to help other people who are living with the “cruel” disease he has.

- KATIE OBORN

Dad-of-one Jamie Lake will be climbing the world’s highest mountain later this year in a mission to raise awareness of an “awful” hereditary disease.

Born and bred in Stoke, the 39-year-old was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease 17 years ago. The condition runs in families and also affected Jamie’s dad and other relatives. This year, Jamie will be trekking through Nepal – along with a team of people – raising money which will be donated to The Huntington’s Disease Association and HD Livin’ charity.

Since his diagnosis, Jamie has made it his mission to raise awareness of the disease and has taken on charity work to raise money towards research into the condition. The Devonport Dockyard worker says since he found out about the disease, he has spent all his free time campaigning and raising funds to “make a difference”.

Jamie said: “My dad had Huntington’s disease, but back then, no one really knew what it was. My symptoms haven’t really started yet. They should have, but so far, they’ve not. Huntington’s disease runs in my family. I’ve lost family members and seen first-hand how cruel this illness can be.