A WOMAN whose cousin died from an epileptic fit is scaling Britain's highest mountain to raise vital cash for research into the condition.

Lindsey Burgess, 25, who lives in Weymouth, is limbering up for the trek which will take her 4.5 miles up Ben Nevis in Fort William in the West Highlands of Scotland.

The climb to the 1,344-metre high summit, which is known as the roof of Britain, will take eight hours.

Lindsey is joining a group of walkers who have taken up the Ben Nevis Challenge 2002.

The sponsored event is organised by Epilepsy Action, formerly known as the British Epilepsy Association.

Lindsey, who works as a human resources administrator at New Look, said: "My cousin, David Houston, was brain damaged from a young age because of his epileptic seizures.

"He was only 30 years old when he died in his sleep from a chronic attack last year.

"I decided to take part in the Ben Nevis Challenge because I wanted to do something in his memory, and make people more aware of the condition at the same time."

In order to take part, Lindsey - who has never climbed a mountain before - must raise a minimum of £300 before the big day on Saturday, September 20.

But the adventurous fundraiser has set herself a personal target of £1,000.

She added: "I want to make a really significant contribution to the cause."

To add a donation to Lindsey's sponsored ascent phone 07855 789041.