I am taking part in Epilepsy Society's 60 Miles in September challenge to raise awareness for the 60,000 children diagnosed with epilepsy in the UK.

A topic very close to our hearts.. Before her first birthday, my beautiful daughter Harper was diagnosed with epilepsy. Watching your baby have seizure after seizure, becoming limp, floppy and lifeless after each one, with no way to stop them, is one of the most terrifying and helpless feelings imaginable. The pain and worry of normal life and the unknown of when one will happen and how badly it’s going to impact her health and life is a battle we face everyday.

Since her diagnosis, Harper has had to go through multiple hospital appointments, stays and tests, including being put to sleep for an MRI scan to check for any brain damage the seizures may have caused. Seeing someone so small with no way to communicate with you go through so much has been heartbreaking for our family. Including her amazing big brother Tommy , who supports and cares for her so well.

She is now on daily anti-seizure medication to help keep her seizures under control. Due to her brain being constantly dysregulated, epilepsy has also affected her development, and she is currently behind in areas such as speech and understanding.

Epilepsy doesn’t just affect you when a seizure occurs , it’s every minute of everyday , it effect your entire quality of life, from short term memory loss , the inability to be able to focus , emotional and behavioural hurdles such as endless ‘tantrums’ for no reason and outburst of hyperactivity and/or frustration linked to the brain’s irregular activity due to the condition or side effects from the medication , strict medication routines morning and night , and the list goes on. We have seen all of these with Harper and some days are TOUGH , but I know with the love and support she has around her, our beautiful girl will have the best life she possibly can.

Despite everything she has faced, Harper continues to amaze us every single day with her strength, resilience, and beautiful smile. We are so proud of how far she has come, and we hope that by sharing her journey, we can raise awareness for epilepsy and show that behind every diagnosis is a brave little fighter❤️ epilepsy doesn’t define who you are our girl, it just makes you even more precious than you was before❤️

£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.

£240 could pay for our trained Helpline operators to support 10 callers with concerns relating to living with epilepsy including parents and carers.

£400 could provide 10 hours of focused work from one of our world class researchers, pushing forward the discoveries that could help bring a seizure free future for children.

Any donation big or small would be so appreciated, Thank you so much for your support!x