ANDY Montague was just 22 years old when he drowned after apparently suffering an epileptic fit.

The young father had finished a nightshift in February last year when a friend dropped him off at Trow Pool, Bucknell, near Bicester, so he could do some fishing.

But Andy is believed to suffered an epileptic fit before falling into the icy water and drowning.

Oxfordshire coroner Nicholas Gardiner recorded a verdict of accidental death at an inquest last September.

Now Andy’s brothers, Aaron, 30, and Daniel, 25, and parents Linda Montague, 50, and Bass Ayyar are planning a hike in tribute to him.

The family wants to climb Mount Snowdon, in North Wales this August, to raise cash for Epilepsy Research UK. At 1,085 metres or 3,560ft, it is the highest mountain in Wales, Father-of-two Aaron, of Holm Way, Bicester, said: “I thought it would be a nice thing for all the family to get involved with.

“They all took to the idea and – low and behold – we are doing it. We have had a lot of support.

“We want to raise as much money as we can to help prevent something like this happening to anyone else in the future. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. It was a tragic accident. We can only imagine what happened that day. There was no-one else there and Andy was found in the water, face down.”

Aaron, a warehouseman, described avid Liverpool FC fan Andy as a “top bloke” who doted on his son, Joseph Stear, who is now five.

He said: “He never complained about anything. He was just one of life’s top blokes. I know people use that term a lot, but he really would do anything for anyone.

“It has been a real loss to our family.”

Andy, who worked for bakery supplies firm British Bakels in Granville Way, Bicester, was diagnosed with epilepsy at 19 and took medication to try to control it, but it did not prevent him having fits.

His mother, Linda, of Leach Road in Bicester, said it was important for the family to raise money for the charity, to try to prevent another family going through pain and suffering.

She also paid tribute to her son. Ms Montague said: “Andy was a carefree, loving child.

He loved life and was always smiling and joking around with his friends.

She said: “He never moaned about anything that happened to him and suffering from epilepsy never stopped him living life to the full.

“Andy loved Liverpool Football Club and fishing, and loved and lived for his son, JJ.

“He would do anything for anyone if he could, and he is greatly missed and will forever be in our hearts.”

So far, the family has raised about £1,500.

To sponsor the team log on at justgiving.com/Aaron-Montague