Woman with physical and learning difficulties to scale Latrigg for 21st birthday

A woman who was diagnosed at three-years-old with a rare genetic condition is going to celebrate her 21st birthday by wheeling herself to the summit of a Lake District fell.

Melissa McComas was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome which is a genetic condition that affects the nervous system, causing severe physical and learning difficulties.

She is now aiming to wheel herself to the top of Latrigg to celebrate her 21st birthday.

Melissa has epilepsy, has mobility problems, limited motor skills - all meaning that she requires 24 hour care.

She has taken part in several walking and wheelchair related challenges to raise money for charity.

Her mother Kathryn McComas will be accompanying her on the climb.

She said: “Since one of her favourite places is the Lake District I thought Latrigg would be a good choice as her first Wainwright and quite a small accessible fell.

"We are planning to have a little party at the summit of Latrigg plus a cake and special dinner."

They are aiming to raise thousands of pounds for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) and the Lake District Foundation.

Kathyrn, added: “We chose GNAAS as were looking for a charity which was based in and served Cumbria.

“Melissa thoroughly enjoyed her visit to the base, the highlight was her bear Smiler sitting in the helicopter after being fitted into the helmet and visor, we all had a really good laugh at that.”

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