Many of you will know Epilepsy is something which affects my family. Especially after so many of you have helped us out in the past couple of years. 

Although at times it's a scary and destructive condition to live with, my Dad has always faced it with bravery and calm resignation. I guess over the years it has become a loyal and familar, if troublesome, visitor to our home.

Because my dad got his epilepsy from having life-saving brain surgery, I've always considered it a small price to pay for his survival and continued health. It's not a terminal ilness and as horrible it can be - you can learn to live with it. For the 3 million Americans and 600,000 Brits who have it, they just have to. 

But there are still two things that bug me about Epilepsy. Firstly, there is still a lot of mystery around it. In 80% of cases, we don't know what causes it, how to stop it or when the fits are going to happen.The great unknown is what makes it so difficult to live with, and a little more understanding of these things would make a huge difference. Secondly, it's something which affects so much more than just a Epileptic's health. Although they are no longer locked away in Medieval mad houses, Epileptics still have their driving licences taken away and many other things, including their freedom to be alone.

The Epilepsy Society is doing great work trying to help in both these areas, and I would like to raise some money to help them do research into the causes of Epilepsy and support work for Epileptics and their families. 

Please donate whatever you can afford - and make my 26.2 Los Angelean miles worth a lot more than just a huge personal achievement for me. If I can make it...