Story
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Your support is very much appreciated. This ride will be a massive challenge given that I have not been on my bike for a long time - and the beers have taken their toll! Training for this will not be easy, and that first training session on the Surrey Hills will be a struggle! I am not looking forward to the 5am alarm calls! Getting fit for the ride will be tough but the cause will be worth it - so please give generously!
2 years ago our family’s life was changed dramatically. My step-daughter Grace was diagnosed with Epilepsy. This diagnosis came after more than a year of tests, endless hospital appointments and a lot of worry. Grace began having “day-dreaming” episodes whilst in her last year of junior school. We found ourselves having to repeat things to her over and over and still she would not do as she was asked. It is very frustrating, we knew something was not right. Our bright, animated, clever girl just wasn’t the same. After pushing and pushing we finally saw a Consultant and a year later a sleep EEG showed significant issues in Grace. We were taken into hospital as an emergency that day, and Grace was put on an IV of Keppra. From that day onwards, things for Grace have just gotten worse. Grace now has full on seizures on a regular basis, and is on two lots of medication. We are constantly on alert for a seizure, and never know from day to day when one will occur. Unfortunately for Grace the medication has not yet helped her seizures, and we still have some way to go to help her. Despite this, she still continues to be positive and work hard at school towards her GCSE’s. She is one brave girl.
This is why raising awareness for Epilepsy Action and fundraising to enable research into Epilepsy is so important. 30% of people with Epilepsy are resistant to medication. Genetic testing can assist in some people, and this could be a way forward in diagnosing the correct medication for the patient, but funding into research for this is desperately needed.
About Epilepsy Action
Epilepsy Action improves the lives of everyone affected by epilepsy. As well as campaigning to improve epilepsy services, we offer assistance in a number of different ways. These include a national network of branches, epilepsy awareness volunteers and freephone and email helplines.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
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