A YOUNG footballer who was left for dead after an unprovoked attack outside a nightclub has scaled the highest peak in Britain.

Matthew Edgington, who suffered a fractured skull and was knocked unconscious in the November 2007 attack, climbed Ben Nevis with his dad John and five other Ramsbottom FC stalwarts.

The idea was the brainchild of Ramsbottom United fans Lee Dunn and brothers Rob and Matt Drzymala who wanted to raise money for Epilepsy Action and Headway charities.

John’s daughter Rachael and former United player Chris MacKay were also soon roped in for the 4,408 foot ascent.

Rob and Matthew have both received support from Headway previously and Matt has been helped out by Epilepsy Action.

The achievement comes amid a milestone for Matthew, as yesterday he was finally discharged from the care of neurologists at Salford Royal Hospital.

John, who manages medical health firm Gosselin in Shadsworth, Blackburn, said: “Matthew is doing very well now, playing six-a-sides and coming on fine.

“He certainly went up Ben Nevis quicker than I did. It is just about taking lots of small steps forward.”

The climbers took between six-and-a-half and seven-and-a-half hours to master the mountain, the UK’s tallest peak.

Supporters and family and friends have ensured that the two good causes will receive around £5,000 between them.

Four of the seven have justgiving websites, which can still be used to receive donations.