Hi everyone and I'm taking part in the Brighton Marathon to raise money for Epilepsy Society UK. For those of you that do not know or do not know me that well, I have epilepsy. 

I have since I was about 8 years old when I had my first seizure. Who knew a simple animation or looking out a train window can trigger a seizure? The scariest thing to this day is the complete loss of consciousness when one of these occur. For me there is no warning and it can be triggered at anytime. I am mainly doing this because I want to raise awareness around the neurological condition. Not only for the physical effects but the mental health effects too. 

Here are some numbers that you usually find in one of these just giving pages so here we go:

There are about 600,000 people in the UK who suffer from Epilepsy

A seizure can last anywhere from 15 seconds to five minutes (If it lasts more than 5 minutes, call an ambulance)

One in 50 people will have epilepsy at some time in their life (not everyone with epilepsy will have it for life).

This is for those who have epilepsy, for those who feel alone and feel they do not have people to turn to. Because it can feel extremely isolating. It can wipe you out for a week, you can have conversations with people which you have no recollection of. Social occassions can be something you try to avoid in fear of having a seizure. If you are seeing this and you have epilepsy, you are not alone. If you're like me and you are generally a loner then you don't have to worry about this. Kidding, you are awesome and there is a community for us out there. Please feel free to get in touch if you are comfortable doing that and I will definitely have some #relatable stories of post-seizure feelings (Do people even use hastags anymore?).  There will also be some links at the bottom to great charities who have active hotlines for the topic of epilepsy. Hopefully one day we can collate a book of peoples experiences of epilepsy into a lovely book.

This is also for those who have taken the time to learn more about Epilepsy. As well as those who have looked after someone after a seizure occurs. I wish I could put into words how much it means when someone is there to look after you. Not only is that person in a state of fear, confusion and anger. You are at your most vulnerable, so for those who are there for your friends who have epilepsy, it really means the world. 

I've also partly convinced myself that Im doing this because my star signs a Leo and I like the attention. I mean, I think whats leos are like? I'm not too sure, anyways If you truly feel like you want to know more and are interested in learning more then, please donate, it would be much appreciated. 

(If you want to follow my journey, then make sure to follow me on tiktok @louiscooksmunch, and follow @EpilepsySociety too)

Peace everyone x

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/what-to-do-if-someone-has-a-seizure-fit/

https://epilepsysociety.org.uk/about-epilepsy/what-epilepsy/epilepsy-facts-and-myths

https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/support/helpline