Following a successful post-climb charity auction held in late November, the total amount raised for Young Epilepsy and Lupus UK by Wildstone CEO, Damian Cox, has reached almost £165,000.

On October 15, Cox set off on the 15-day ascent of Ama Dablam (6,812m) in Nepal - a steep, exposed peak that is considered one of the region’s most technically challenging climbs. Though lower than Everest, its difficult terrain means it has seen fewer successful summits than the world’s highest mountain.

The founder and CEO of the world’s largest outdoor media infrastructure company had a target to raise £100,000 for the two charities and attracted donations of £119,379 through his GiveWheel page alone.

On November 22, he hosted a charity auction that exceeded all expectations, with a holographic portrait of Queen Elizabeth II proving the most popular item on the night. Equanimity, donated by artist Chris Levine, fetched £13,000 in the auction. Other popular items included a luxury dinner for eight cooked by Bob Parkinson, a renowned local chef who climbed Ama Dablam with Cox, which went for £8,200, and artwork by contemporary artist Stuart Pearson Wright, which sold for £6,500.

In total, the auction saw Damian raise a further £15,000 for Young Epilepsy and £15,000 for Lupus UK. As Young Epilepsy is taking part in this year’s Big Give, its auction donation was doubled to £30,000, taking Damian’s overall contribution to the charities to an impressive £164,379.

“We are truly thankful to Damian for taking on such an extraordinary challenge in support of Young Epilepsy. His commitment to preparing for this demanding climb, inspired by his daughter Milla’s resilience in living with epilepsy and lupus, makes this endeavour especially significant. Taking on Ama Dablam is no small achievement, and there markable funds raised will help us continue providing vital information, support, and research for the more than 100,000 children and young people living with epilepsy across the UK,” said Jane Beaven, CEO at Young Epilepsy.

“We will never be able to thank Damian enough for taking on one of the biggest fundraising challenges in Lupus UK’s history. Damian's inspirational mountain climb is a true testament to a father's love for his daughter, and the awareness he has created for the countless other families affected by lupus is phenomenal,” added Lisa Denison, Development Manager at Lupus UK.  “The funds Damian has raised with the generosity of his family, friends and colleagues will allow us to continue funding vital research into lupus, providing essential services to everyone affected by lupus, and offering vital support to everyone in our community who needs us at a time when they feel alone. Because of Damian's support, Lupus UK will be there for everyone who needs us, every step of the way.”

Cox chose the two charities as they support conditions his eight-year-old daughter, Milla, has suffered from since infancy.

“My daughter has faced so many hurdles in her young life, as have the many other children and families who are affected by epilepsy and lupus. I wanted to do something momentous to pay tribute to their bravery and also to raise much-needed funds to support everyone living with these conditions,” said Cox.

Preparation for the climb involved a brutal exercise regime in the months beforehand, as well as acclimatisation training that included sleeping in a hypoxic tent – an oxygen-reduced chamber set over his bed – every night for the six weeks before the trek.

Thanks to the advance planning, Cox came within striking distance of the summit, making it all the way to Camp 2, approximately 730m below the peak of Ama Dablam.

“It was always an ambitious goal to reach the top and due to poor weather on the day of what should have been our final approach, I wasn’t able to make it to the very summit in the end,” said Cox. “When the expedition leaders warned us of the dangers of attempting the last part of the climb, I was torn between wanting to raise money for charities that are very close to my heart and wanting to survive for my family. In the end, I went for the latter but I’m still enormously proud of what I achieved and how much money I’ve raised.”

Cox said he was thankful to everyone who donated to the cause, adding that the outdoor advertising industry had been particularly generous, with Multiply Media Group, Global, i-media, Bauer Media Outdoor and Hillenaar Outdoor making corporate donations.

“I’m grateful for all of the support I’ve received, especially from those in the industry, who really dug deep to support me and played a major role in me surpassing the target I was aiming for, an amount that will truly make a difference to these important charities,” he said.