Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

One in 103 people in the UK has epilepsy, yet the condition rarely hits the headlines. I had my first seizure when I was seven years old and, like many children, grew out of epilepsy. Others are not so lucky and the condition has a massive impact on not only their daily lives but those of their families and carers.

I had a wonderful doctor and two amazing parents - Andy and Penny, who are photographed on this page - but I know my epilepsy was a huge worry to them and added to the pressure and anxiety that all parents experience when bringing up children.

There is much ignorance surrounding epilepsy. People with the condition are often discriminated against. I remember being at primary school and hearing someone say "Charlotte is possessed by the devil." Charming!  I wasn't able to go to the cinema, go to discos or watch Top Of The Pops (because of worries the lights might trigger a seizure) until I was about 14. It isn't a lot compared to what many people go through everyday but it did add to my feeling of being different. Only a few years ago did I get a permanent driving licence - although anybody who has been in a car with me might judge that a good thing!

At the moment, just over half of people with epilepsy are seizure free. Epilepsy Action believes this figure could be nearer 70 per cent. What a huge difference that would make to so many lives.

Finally, I must come clean about my other reason for doing this half marathon: aside from raising money for a cause very close to my heart, I hope I might FINALLY be able to get rid of those bleedin' bingo wings!!

Many thanks Charlotte