A TEENAGER is appealing for help in finding a venue for his fundraising wrestling tournament.

Chris McWilliam, aged 15, is holding the tournament to raise cash for the Epilepsy Association after his mum, Beverley, was diagnosed with the condition three years ago.

The teenager, who is his mum's main carer, has been wrestling since he moved to Breightmet when he was 13 years old.

He wants to use his hobby - which he hopes to one day turn into a career - to raise as much cash as possible to fund research into the debilitating condition.

He had organised a tournament at his old school, Lytham and St Ann's High School in St Ann's, but that venue has fallen through so he is appealing for help in finding a new one.

Chris, who will take his GCSEs this year, has already attracted 14 wrestlers from as far away as Mexico to take part in the tournament.

He said: "My mum is epileptic, so this is a cause very close to my heart. This isn't a very well-known charity, and anything I can do to help I will.

"Since mum was diagnosed I've had to grow up quite fast. I don't go out and mess about with friends, but that also helps me stay focused for my wrestling. This is something I've wanted to do since I was five years old, and now I'm living the dream."

Mrs McWilliam, who is a single parent, was admitted to intensive care at the Royal Bolton Hospital twice last summer because of her condition.

She has been forced to give up her job as a carer in an old people's home.

Mrs McWilliam said: "I'm so proud of Chris - he just handles everything so well. I don't know where I'd be without him.

"I'm so pleased he's organised this fundraiser. He's done everything himself and has worked extremely hard."

Chris, who attends Youth Challenge in Newport Street, Bolton, is also looking for people to sponsor matches at the event.

They will be given two free tickets, and their name will be announced before the match they have sponsored.

To sponsor a match or suggest a venue, contact Chris on 07955 409488.

Epilepsy factfile

  • Epilepsy is one of the most common conditions affecting the brain, and one in 50 people will have it at some point in their lives.
  • There are two types of seizure. Partial seizures begin in one part of the brain then spread to other parts, and generalised seizures start in both sides of the brain at once and cause the person to lose consciousness.
  • Common causes include brain damage from birth injuries, head injuries, stroke, brain tumours and alcoholism.
  • Certain recreational drugs, such as cocaine, can induce a seizure, and these can continue once the drug-taking has stopped.
  • Most people with epilepsy can successfully control their seizures with drugs and lead normal lives.