As a registered Dietitian specialising in Neurology, an ultra - marathon runner and a mum of 4 with one living with Epilepsy, I am very interested in raising funds for Matthews Friends.

Matthews Friends is a charity that specialises exclusively in medical ketogenic dietary therapies, to help control seizures. They offer support to parents, families and professionals by providing information, training, research, and grants to develop ketogentic services. 

Matthews Friends was developed by mum Emma Williams MBE in 2004 after her son continued to have seizures hundreds of times a week for 7 years. She took part in a trial of the ketogenic diet for her son and within 2 weeks, his seizures had reduced by 90%. Within 8 months, he was able to stop all medications, just by changing his diet which is so amazing!!

The ketogenic diet is very low in carbohydrates and high in fat. This diet changes metabolisim in the body, from burning glucose for energy, to burning fat for energy instead. The ketogenic diet is a recognised treatment for intractable (drug resistant) epilepsy. Increasingly, the ketogenic diet is also being looked at in other neurological and metabolic disorders as well as brain cancer. 

Although my son's epilepsy is controlled by medications, Matthews Friends is a charity I know I can turn to for specialised advice, should my son become drug resistant, I would be very keen on trying this diet for him.

Matthews Friends rely on charitable donations and fundraising, to provide a range of ketogenic resources. Examples of these are, keto kitchen recipes, tutorials, conferences, events and handy guides and a telephone support line. 

As an ultra-marathon runner who has recently completed 100k race to the stones, I would love nothing more than to run the London marathon; a run I have always wanted to do. I have been very lucky in being nominated by a friend of mine who has a passion for Matthews Friends. This was very much out of the blue where a runner had to pull out which left an opportunity for me, and a chance I could not refuse. For those who do know me, your know I love nothing more than a challenge in both running and raising funds to support charities such as, Matthews friends. 

I would be very grateful for any donations to help me reach my target. I understand the financial difficulities everyone is experencing , however, no matter how small, every single penny counts. I would appreciate any donation for Matthews Friends to allow them to continue researching and supporting those already on the ketogenic diet and those who may be considering. May I thank you all in advance and a big thankyou for taking the time to read my page.😊