After being diagnosed with epilepsy at 19 I had a difficult and emotional journey to where I am today, stable and well.

For 5 years , my seizures were uncontrollable and at it’s worse I was told that the serverity of  my epilepsy  meant that  I would most likely be unable to safely have children.  The side effects both physically and mentally of trialling so many different treatments, which were limited due to my age and sex- the most powerful drugs are not prescribed to child baring age females as the lasting effects are so severe; was not only difficult on me but on my family and friends. 

One positive of my diagnosis was that I started running, to clear the mind fog caused by the medication and help me process the negative thoughts ,feelings and moods associated with living with a chronic illness.  Running has for the last 8 years become my safe place- a way to escape my own head and find the clarity I need to be the best mummy and me that I can.

I could not have made it through this journey without Martyn by my side every step of the way. At such a young age when faced with an awful situation, he would not have been in the wrong to simply walk away. Then when faced with a future where children may not be possible, I told him I’d understand the need to leave. But he didn’t, he has been by my side through thick and thin for the last 16 years. 

When I was so ill I couldn’t speak, slept all day and stayed in hospital for a month. When the side effects of the drugs made me unbearable to live with- Keppra Rage is not pleasant! He loved me even more, kept me safe and picked up the pieces.

Not everyone who has epilepsy is as lucky as me, they don’t experience the unconditional support, ever Find the right drug or experience life seizure free. I am running to raise money for all of these people and the scared 19 year old me who’s world fell apart but has been beautifully rebuilt.

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