Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page!

I'm participating in a hiking challenge taking place on March 22nd in the Yorkshire Dales, just north of where I'm studying in Leeds, UK. The challenge aims to hike the three highest peaks in Yorkshire in under 12 hours. The peaks are: Whernside (2,415 ft), Ingleborough (2,372 ft) and Pen-y-ghent (2,277 ft). This hike is done through a program called Leeds RAG;  a student led, student-orientated society which works to fundraise large amounts of money for a variety of local, national and international charitable causes while engaging students in exciting experiences. 

Last year, at the age of 19, Emily Sumaria, a student at the University of Leeds, died from Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). Every year, roughly one person in a thousand affected by epilepsy will die due to SUDEP. Since her death in December 2012, the family and friends of Emily have raised over £7000 ($12,800) in her memory for SUDEP Action. Each year an average of 15,500 people learn they have epilepsy; about 60% of new patients are young children and senior citizens. In 50 - 60% of cases, the cause of epilepsy is unknown.The major form of treatment is long-term drug therapy. Drugs are not a cure and can have numerous, sometimes severe, side effects.

SUDEP Action is the only charity in the UK solely dedicated to preventing epilepsy deaths. In solidarity for epilepsy research, and in memory of Emily, our hike will be dedicated to raising funds for SUDEP action to provide accurate, up-to-date information for people with epilepsy and to fund research for this disorder. 

You can find out more information about SUDEP Action and epilepsy in Canada and the UK at the following links:

https://www.sudep.org

http://www.epilepsy.ca/en-CA/Home.html

https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/press/facts

By clicking on the "Donate" tab you should be able to donate online in GBP or Canadian dollars (you just need to change the currency tab). Please consider giving to this great cause! Thank you all so much!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.