When Lev decided to walk 100 miles for Young Epilepsy, he knew it would be a challenge.
What he didn't know was just how important that challenge would become.
At the time, Lev was living with frequent seizures and preparing for brain surgery. Life felt uncertain, and there were lots of things outside his control. But completing 100 miles was something he could focus on.
One step at a time.
Taking on a challenge
Lev was diagnosed with focal epilepsy when he was four years old.
Over the years, his seizures became more frequent and harder to manage. By early 2026, they were having a significant impact on everyday life.
Despite this, Lev wanted to do something positive.
Inspired by walks with his dad and their new puppy, he set himself an ambitious goal: to walk 100 miles and raise money for Young Epilepsy.
For Lev, it wasn't just about completing the distance.
Having met other young people affected by epilepsy and spoken to Young Epilepsy staff, he wanted to help other children and families who might be going through similar experiences.
When every mile mattered
Training and completing the challenge wasn't always easy.
Lev continued to experience seizures throughout the walk. Some days were much tougher than others.
But he was determined to keep going.
His dad, Rob, walked alongside him throughout the challenge, offering support whenever he needed it.
For Lev and his family, the walks became about more than fundraising.
They provided structure, purpose and something positive to work towards at a time when epilepsy was affecting so many areas of life.
His mum, Kate, says:
It was so good to have something to focus on.
Walking also helped Lev stay active as he prepared for surgery.
While every young person's experience is different, being outdoors, spending time with family and working towards a goal gave him something positive to look forward to.
Supported every step of the way
As word spread about the challenge, donations began arriving from family, friends and supporters.
Each morning, Lev would check his fundraising page to see how much had been raised.
Sometimes the total had increased overnight.
Sometimes there were new messages of encouragement waiting for him.
Every donation reminded him that people believed in what he was trying to achieve.
What began as a modest fundraising target eventually grew into something remarkable, with supporters helping Lev raise more than £8,000, with Gift Aid taking the total to over £10,000.
For the family, the generosity shown by so many people was both moving and motivating.
Preparing for what came next
Lev completed his 100-mile challenge less than two weeks before undergoing brain surgery.
By that point, he was experiencing frequent daily seizures and knew surgery offered hope for a different future.
While there was understandably anxiety about what lay ahead, completing the challenge gave him a huge sense of achievement.
He had already shown himself that he could do hard things.
Looking forward
Today, Lev is recovering well and gradually returning to the activities he enjoys.
His family remain hopeful about the future and grateful to everyone who supported his fundraising journey.
Looking back, the challenge was about much more than miles walked or money raised.
It was about determination, community and the difference people can make when they come together behind a cause they care about.
Kate says:
"He wanted to do something for other young people with epilepsy. It gave him a real focus during a very difficult time."
For Lev, the 100 miles proved something important.
Epilepsy may be part of his story, but it doesn't define what he can achieve.
