So, here I am, training for the London Marathon. I have to say it out loud sometimes just to remind myself that it is happening and I am actually doing it! Two years ago I weighed 3 stone heavier, was really inactive and could barely run for......well anything. When I began running it was just with the goal to get healthier and fitter (and hopefully lose some weight along the way). Two years on, a couple of half marathons under my (skinnier) belt and I am running the full 26.2 miles in London. I'm pretty chuffed about how far I've come and if you'd told the old me two years ago I would be doing this now, I would think you were a crazy person. So, in short, this is a big deal personally and marks a huge change in my life. I won't be doing this again (trust me, I won't!!) and so going to put everything in to it and I'm hoping with your support, I can not only run this thing well, but raise a chunk of money for Epilepsy Society, the charity I'm running for....

I'm really happy to be running for Epilepsy Society and frankly there was no other charity I would rather be supporting when, in the last 5 years, two people close to me, my youngest cousin Mel and my good friend Lucy have been diagnosed with the condition. From them, I have understood how dramatically it can affect the day-to-day lives of sufferers and that is why I want to help raise awareness of epilepsy and the critical research and work Epilepsy Society do for this (still relatively unknown) condition.

Both Mel and Lucy have turned to Epilepsy Society for help and advice since diagnosis and they have kindly shared some words on their experiences to help explain why what the charity do is so important:

"I was 16 when I developed epilepsy. It is not a life-threatening condition, but one that does completely change all parts of your life. It took 8 months after being diagnosed for panic attacks to stop. I was terrified of having another attack, particularly in front of people, being a 16 year old girl it was really embarrassing for people to see me in that way. It wasn't just me it affected; my Mum and Brother witnessed my second fit, seeing your daughter/sister convulsing, struggling for oxygen with absolutely nothing you can do to stop it, is probably more scary than having the fit yourself. Nearly 4 years later, and 'fit-free' since August 2009, I am at University, in my 2nd year and having epilepsy rarely even crosses my mind. I've been very lucky, medication has controlled seizures and after a while of getting used to it, I have been able to move on with my life. Some people aren't so lucky and it affects them on a day-to-day basis. I'm so pleased and bursting with pride that Rachel is running for Epilepsy Society, it's such a worthy charity, one that we can all relate to. So GOOD LUCK Rach, run your socks off! xxxxxxx"

"I am so proud that Rach has undertaken this challenge and touched that she has chosen such a worthy organisation to run for. In addition to raising vital funds, most importantly, events like these raise awareness for a hidden disability that is still very much stigmatised and misunderstood. Few people realise that anyone can develop epilepsy at any stage of their life. From the time that I had my first seizure at the age of 20, it took 8 months before I received a diagnosis of epilepsy. During that period, when my whole world was turned upside down, organisations such as Epilepsy Society were a source of invaluable information, advice and support. I suddenly felt a huge sense of loss; having my driving license taken away overnight seriously affected my sense of freedom and I was faced with completely adapting my lifestyle and the everyday things I took for granted, like taking a bath! Epilepsy can be very isolating and you live in constant fear about having your next fit. With the support of friends and family you learn to adjust routines and accept that you are likely to be on medication for the rest of your life. For me, this is such a small price to pay to be fortunate enough to have my seizures under control. Knowing that you can share experiences and worries with other people who live with epilepsy and experts at Epilepsy Society means that you don’t feel so alone. With education, support and tolerance you realise that you control your epilepsy, it doesn’t control you!"

For more info on Epilespy Society please go to: http://www.epilepsysociety.org.uk

Please dig deep and thank you very much. See you at the finish line! Rach xxx

 

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