SWAN View resident Brian Sanders has completed a 1000km Bibbulmun track walk from Albany to Kalamunda for people living with epilepsy.

Mr Sanders’ journey began on August 31 and he arrived at the Kalamunda terminus of the Bibbulmun Track on October 11.

His trip raised $5615 for Epilepsy WA as of October 14, far surpassing his original goal of $700 which he felt motivated to achieve in honour of one of his best friends living with epilepsy.

Echo News asked Mr Sanders what the key behind his fundraising success was and he said it was a mix of mid-campaign engagement and giving people the right information.

“It’s a bit of a combination of things,” he said.

“I was talking to people as I went along and quite a few people that were doing the walk as well donated, which was great.

“I was able to explain to them what was going on with the Step for Epilepsy and Epilepsy WA helped organise the interview with ABC Radio.

“They put me on their page, and I think a lot of people were just blown away by the whole thing.”

The announcement of Mr Sanders’ 1000km walk came as a surprise for the people in his life, who knew him as a family and working man but he was grateful the people around him were supportive.

“Thank you for everyone who donated and thanks for everyone who helped along the way,” he said.

“It wasn’t just a solo effort, even though it was just me out there walking, it takes more than that just to get it done.”

Mr Sanders said it was important to note Epilepsy WA was entirely fundraiser funded and did not receive state government support.

“Hopefully that’ll change,” he said.

Mr Sander’s journey was part of the step for epilepsy fundraising effort organised by Epilepsy WA.

Epilepsy WA is a not-for-profit organisation that works to prevent and reduce the impacts from seizures.

Epilepsy WA’s chief executive officer Emma Buitendag said seizure safety was everyone’s responsibility.

“Taking epilepsy medications as prescribed, getting enough sleep, upskilling caregivers with seizure first aid training, having annual medical reviews and actioning epilepsy management care plans are crucial to reduce risk,” Ms Buitendag said.

“Other risk reduction strategies include avoiding excess alcohol, not swimming or bathing alone, and considering the use of seizure alert devices.

“Epilepsy WA offers seizure first aid training as well as online guides about the full range of seizure alert devices available, and comprehensive strategies to reduce risk of harm.”

More information about epilepsy and its management can be found on the Epilepsy WA site or by calling 1300 660 880.