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On 26 April 2009 my eldest daughter Ishbel sent me a text from the London Marathon where she was spectating, suggesting that it would be a wonderful idea if she and I ran in the 2010 London Marathon, and raised money for youngsters suffering from epilepsy. Ishbel was diagnosed with epilepsy at 18 but, very fortunately, has the condition successfully controlled now by medication. Emotional heartstrings suitably tugged, I texted back and 10 months later find myself pounding treadmills, streets and muddy paths in a desperate attempt to endure 26 miles on the 25 April. At the age of 50 I have my doubts as to whether this is good for me but I am in no doubt about the cause for which I am running.The National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy is the UK major provider of specialist services for children and young people with epilepsy and other neurological conditions, providing both residential and day services for children and young people aged 5 to 25. The NCYPE concentrates on the needs of those most severely affected by epilepsy in the UK with the aim of securing better futures for these children and young people.
Based in Lingfield, Surrey the Centre provides a UK centre of excellence in the education, care and treatment of young epilepsy sufferers. In addition, as a practical solution for parents whose children need to access respite care during school holidays, the residential children’s homes provided by NCYPE ensure stability and continuity of care for children throughout the year. The NCYPE offers diagnosis, assessment, treatment, research and rehabilitation services, together with training for professionals with an interest in epilepsy and a research programme led by the Prince of Wales’s Chair in Childhood Epilepsy.
NCYPE is a truly inspirational charity. I have set myself a target of £10000.00 to raise for this richly deserving cause. I hope very much that you will feel able to sponsor me in my efforts to raise funds on its behalf.
