I did it - and am feeling a tad fragile today! Heaven only knows how I got round possibly knowing I had all this marvellous support helped. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!
For those who'd like to know I ran the marathon in 5 hrs and 36 minutes give or take a few seconds, came within the top 1,500 women over 40 ( I have no idea how many of us there were but it sounds impressive to me) and was within the top 9,000 women finishers. I think that was worth a glass of champagne at the end - don't you?
Today Xavier has taken the medal into school is is enjoying being centre of attention for something other than his epilepsy. It has a nice weight to it even if it does look like a Jim'll Fix It one.
Why did I do this? For my son Xavier, and all the other children who have Epilepsy in all its forms - and boy there are a lot of them!
Xavier has Absence Siezures which means he blanks or zones out for a a short time every ten minutes or so. He doesn't fall down or anything dramatic - he's just not with you. You don't always see it happening, it can be very fleeting and if you don't know what you are looking for, well it is nigh on impossible. So for a long time we didn't realise there was anything particularly wrong. He just seemed to be a bit of a day dreamer, a bit clumsy and well a bit slower than the other kids at school.
Because it is so difficult to pinpoint, Absence Seizures is one of the most misdiagnosed of childhood illnesses. We were lucky Mrs Cross, Xavier's Year One teacher, had seen this before and she persuaded us to get Xavier checked out. Her hunch was right on the button and we are truly grateful to her - an amazing teacher!
Although Absence Seizures will in no way affect the intelligence of a child they do affect concentration levels, and can, and do, cause havoc with learning. If you are only getting half the instruction because you zone out on the other half you can't really learn very well can you? Many children go undiagnsoed or misdaignosed so I am running to raise money for Epilepsy Action for all it's work and research and to help raise awareness so that other children will be able to be treated before it is too late.
Xavier is being treated now and the difference in him is astounding. It is a joy to behold. He's always been cheeky - now he's got even more to be cheeky about. The little blighter is taking his Marathon support very seriously and has me running everywhere, especially at his beck and call!
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Epilepsy Action gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
So please sponsor me now!
