You all know how it is for my new weird normality having been left with drug-resistant, predominantly nocturnal, epilepsy since a brain injury in 2019.

If the morning arrives and I still have a pulse it’s already an excellent day. 😬

Thanks to research, development, the launch of a new drug I’ve met the clinical criteria for and am now taking, things are a wee bit improved but still problematic.

As all other treatments have failed this is the last option before brain surgery which doesn’t sound like a fun trip to Glasgow!

I’m taking part in Epilepsy Society's 60 Miles in September challenge to raise awareness for the epilepsy in the UK. Needless to say 60 miles is not the personal target given the West Highland Way is 96 miles and that’s being tackled towards the end of September - 300 miles or more is the goal fuelled by determination, outdoor gear, walking poles and a smile no matter what.

The Epilepsy Society have been a vital service particularly during the 2 years, 3 months and 3 weeks of brain injury rehab when seizures battered everyday life relentlessly. Inconvenient buggers.

Any donation that you are able to make will help them to continue their incredible work and will spur me on throughout my challenge! Below you can see how your donation could help.

Raising £75 could pay for lab equipment such as PCR tubes which are essential for DNA extraction. This DNA can be stored and analysed in multiple research studies aimed at helping to control seizures.

Raising £240 could pay for trained Helpline operators to support 10 callers with concerns relating to living with epilepsy including parents and carers. (I have sobbed down the phone to the helpline during some horrible treatment options.)

£400 could provide 10 hours of focused work from one of our world class researchers, pushing forward the discoveries that could help bring possibilities of a seizure free future to those of us living with epilepsy.

To give you some insight; the newest drug treatment I started in April this year is £27,000 annually and without research, lab time and development by specialist neurologists, the tests available to patients thanks to the Epilepsy Society’s own clinic would be unavailable.

Thank you so much for your support whether it’s the positivity you fire in my direction, or by sponsoring my blisters and lobbing a pound in the fundraising.

Love, Gillian x