AN epilepsy sufferer will use his photography skills to produce a wildlife calendar for charity — despite having as many as 24 fits each week.

Peter Hunter, aged 49, from Breightmet, is unable to work or drive because of his condition.

But after photographing deer, kestrels, pheasants and other wildlife in the Bolton area, he is hoping to make a difference with a calendar to raise money for PDSA, the Epileptic Society and Cancer Research UK.

Mr Hunter was born epileptic but says the condition worsened when he was beaten up at work 13 years ago.

Since leaving the Department for Social Services shortly after the incident, he claims prospective employers have always deemed him too much of a risk to hire.

Mr Hunter, who lives alone with his three dogs in a warden-controlled flat, has broken two ribs, fallen on a hot iron and split his head open while having fits.

He said: “In a good week I can get away with maybe four fits, but in a bad one I can have as many as 20 or 24.

“I’ve been told there’s nothing that can be done, as there is a problem with a nerve in my temple and they can’t do anything with it. I know I will have fits for the rest of my life.”

His three dogs even help when he does have a fit.

“I don’t know how but they seem to sense when I am about to fit,” Mr Hunter said. “I’ve been in the park and people have said to me that the dogs have crowded round me so tightly that nobody can get at me.”

Having had 85 pictures published in The Bolton News and 70 featured on TV, Mr Hunter hopes photography can give him a purpose after he was first inspired to capture images of wildlife on a holiday in Africa.

“I can’t do this as a job as I can’t drive because of my fits,” said Mr Hunter.

“What I’m trying to do is have a reason to get up each day, and taking pictures gives me that. I’ve got about 17,000 photos on a hard drive and it would be great to do something good with them.”

To fulfil his vision to produce a calendar, Mr Hunter will need some help. He said: “To give money to these causes would be fantastic — my dad died of cancer and so did my uncle.

“People are asking me for the calendars, but I haven’t got the money to buy 100 blank calendars and produce them, and then sell only 80.

“I need a little help in setting the ball rolling.”

If you could help fulfil Mr Hunter’s dream by turning his photography into a calendar, please contact The Bolton News on 01204 537271.