When I was 12 years old I was diagnosed with epilepsy. I was absolutely clueless. I had no idea what it really was, what I had to do next and why I had it, why me? I think I still ask myself the last question to be honest.

For the last 19 years I have struggled to manage my seizures. There are many different types of seizures and unfortunately I have two, tonic-clonic and absence seizures. As my friends and family, if you haven't seen me have a tonic-clonic seizure (when you lose consciousness and your body shakes) then I can guarantee you that you have probably seen me have an absence seizure. The first few years I was in denial and did not take my medication. As a 12/13 year old, avoiding many of the drugs side-effects like gaining weight, depression and skin rashes were more important than getting my condition under control. Obviously this was not a very wise decision. I now do blame any of my weight fluctuations on my tablets regardless of how much food I consume haha!

I have tried numerous combination of drugs over the years, in addition to changing my diet. I am currently on 4 different meds and my seizures seem to finally be under control - 2.5 years and going strong!! I do worry everyday that I am going to have one and that if I do I won't be in a safe place or I'll hurt myself. There are a ridiculous amount of things I try to do to minimise it - I don't take baths, I never lock the bathroom door, I sleep in the recovery position and my Medical ID info is always up-to-date. 

I have had quite a few bad experiences and it really hasn't been easy living with this condition. There have been far too many ambulances called for me, at one point the paramedics knew me by name. I have been very very lucky as some of my fits could have ended completely differently, for example, falling in front of an oncoming bus (luckily it manage to stop before hitting me and I got a lot of attention from everyone on the bus haha!), falling out of the shower, hitting my head on the wall and then on to slate tiles or when I was in the front passenger seat and scared the hell out of my sister whilst she was driving 70mph nearly causing her to swerve and hit other cars. 

I am the luckiest person to have the most understanding friends and family that are always willing to cancel their plans to look after me, come to the hospital and bring me food and just genuinely being amazing humans (especially as it takes me a while to regain my memory after a seizure and I ask them "who the f*** they are?"). I will never be able to thank them enough!

So basically, I'm running the London Marathon to raise money for Epilepsy Society. Epilepsy is one of the most common serious neurological conditions in the world. Around 87 people are diagnosed with epilepsy in the UK every day. Epilepsy Society aim "to enhance the quality of life of people affected by epilepsy by promoting research, education and public awareness and by delivering specialist medical care and support services".

So all of that ^^^^.was an attempt to persuade you to part with your cash and sponsor me for the 3rd (and I promise this will be the last) time of me running the London marathon. It is a charity really close to my heart so as every begging sponsored runner always ends their plea - anything you can donate, no matter how little, it would make a huge difference and be greatly appreciated!

Peace out! 

Becca xx