My name is Thomas. I’m running the London 3 Parks half marathon, I am doing this for my son Lyidan and for Dravet syndrome UK.

Lyidan was just 8 months old when he had his first seizure that lasted almost 2 hours, he continued having seizures just as uncontrollable and prolonged as his first, all the tests came back normal and in October 2018 Lyidan had his worst seizure lasting more than 3 hours and left him in a coma in the ICU. This has to be the darkest time of mine and my wife's Lynda's life, our brave little man pulled through this sezurie. I cannot thank the doctors and nurses enough for what they've done, they have saved his life on a number of times and we are forever grateful.

It wasn't until November 2018 when we got the diagnosis "Dravet Syndrome", it is classed as a catastrophic form of epilepsy and is a life-threatening condition. Fortunately while researching we came across Dravet syndrome UK, a charity that has not only provided vital equipment for us to have at home to ensure that Lyidan's vital signs are monitored throughout the night, the charity has also enabled us to contact other families living with Dravet syndrome in the UK (as Lyidan is the only child on the Isle of Man currently with the syndrome). I'm running this half marathon to raise money for the Dravet Syndrome UK charity, so that other families can have the same support, aid and resources they have given my family