Doug takes on ‘nine’ peak challenge in three days to raise money for Hydrocephalus team at The Walton Centre

Ten years ago, Doug Johnson started to experience blurred vision, headaches and nausea. Medical investigations revealed that he had hydrocephalus - a condition where a build-up of excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain compresses the surrounding tissue, raising the pressure inside the skull. At the time Doug was fitted with a device which controlled the fluid in his brain, but recently experienced complications.

Doug said: “About a year ago the device failed and I was rushed into hospital. The Walton Centre fixed it, but at Christmas I was starting to feel worse and knew it was hydrocephalus again. It turned out the fluid wasn’t draining properly, so I was fitted with two shunts, which drain the excess CSF into my abdominal cavity to be reabsorbed into the bloodstream. I cannot thank the team enough for all of their support, especially over the last year with the pandemic going on. 

“The service from all the nurses and doctors was impeccable. From consultations, scans, quick diagnosis, operations and the many many check-ups, I owe this hospital everything as things could have been a lot different. That’s why I want to try and give something back.”

The 33 year old from Chester is tackling the three Welsh peaks challenge three times over three days in May 2022 to raise money for The Walton Centre Charity. Doug will climb Snowdon, Cadair Idris & Pen Y fan each day for three days to complete the challenge.

Doug added: “In particular, I’ve asked for the money I raise to go to the hydrocephalus team, so that they can continue to do the brilliant work for patients they continue to do, regardless of the pressure.”

Read more about Doug’s challenge and how you can donate here:  https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/douglas-johnson-5

-Ends-

Notes to editors

Further information, or to arrange a visit contact the Communications Team on 0151 556 3397 or email wcf-tr.waltoncentre.communications@nhs.net.

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust is the only hospital trust in the UK specialising in neurology, neurosurgery and pain services. It has twice been rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission. Although the majority of patients come from Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales, Lancashire and the Isle of Man, for some specialist treatments of complex disorders we see patients from all parts of the country, referred by their GPs or other neurologists, neurosurgeons and pain clinicians.

For more information please visit: www.thewaltoncentre.nhs.uk or follow the Trust on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Lower Lane, Fazakerley, Liverpool L9 7LJ
0151 525 3611