AFTER battling back from being hospitalised with severe breathing problems a local man has set his sights on climbing the highest mountain in Britain.

Mathew Cochrane, who has battled cystic fibrosis all his life, is set to climb Scotland’s Ben Nevis in aid of the CF Trust in September this year.

Driving instructor Mathew hopes to raise awareness and funds for the charity that has supported him throughout his battle with the life limiting genetic disorder.

Mathew, 28, will be the only member of the team attempting the challenge who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis. It comes just over a year after his lungs were operating at only 32 per cent of a normal adult’s capacity. At the time he was rushed to hospital with the flu and was given an oxygen mask to help him breath.

Mathew, who originally hails from Scotland, said his rapid deterioration acted as a wake-up call.

“My doctor said you need to do something now or you will be dead soon,” he said.

“I started going to the gym and taking my medication regularly.

“Over the last year I have improved it to 53 per cent, which is probably the best it is going to be.”

Mathew previously worked in an office but quit his job about five years ago as it was difficult to fit in all his hospital appointments. He now works as a driving instructor as it allows him the flexibility to attend all his hospital appointments and complete his fitness routine.

Mathew, of Windsor Arcade apartments, said he was more concerned about his health than climbing Ben Nevis.

“The mountain doesn’t scare me, it’s staying fit and healthy for the next few months that does,” he said.

“Last year I was feeling really good on the Thursday, but by the Tuesday I was in hospital on oxygen with the flu.”

CF is the UK's most common genetic disorder, with over 10,000 sufferers in the UK alone. There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis but many treatments are available to manage it, including physiotherapy, exercise, medication and nutrition

Mathew takes up to 50 pills, five nebulised treatments and three inhalers a day to manage his condition, as well as completing around two hours of physiotherapy and exercising to keep him healthy.

“It’s hard work but it all pays off,” he said.

“It helps that I have good relationships with the local pharmacy and am close to Llandough Hospital, where they have a cystic fibrosis unit.”

He added about his charity challenge: “The whole point of it is to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis as a lot of people don’t know what it is unless they are personally affected by it.

“Signing up for this challenge is huge, something I never thought I would ever do. My main reason is to give back to the CF Trust, as without them and the work they do I doubt I would be here now. The CF Trust offer so much to everyone and more importantly with the research they continue to do hopefully a cure can be found for future generations.”

He added that he had also been supported by others with cystic fibrosis on social medial, with many offering advice about how to cope with the condition on both Facebook and Twitter.

“It’s great to have that support network as before I didn’t know anyone else going through what I was,” he said.

Mathew is set to climb Ben Nevis on September 19. He can be sponsored at: http://m.virginmoneygiving.com/mat711