On the 31st of May, I will be running the Stockholm Marathon for The Epilepsy Society – in memory of my glorious friend Clara, who died at the end of February while living her best life in Zimbabwe. As she told many of us in the weeks before, she couldn’t have been any happier.

The Epilepsy Society undertakes leading research to understand the causes of epilepsy in every individual affected by it and to identify the best therapy from the outset.

Clara was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was 8 years old - and at 12 she was hospitalised as her seizures got worse. The research charities like the Epilepsy Society do into rare forms of epilepsy had an incredible impact on her life - allowing her to live 8 wild and wonderful seizure-free years.

Clara’s seizures came back four years ago and - alongside her fabulous family and doctors - she continued to fight and live her adventurous life.

In January, I asked Clara if I could run the Stockholm marathon for a charity of her choice. She chose the Epilepsy Society because it was so close to her heart, and planned on coming out to Sweden with me. Sadly, Clara won’t be shouting at me to push through the dreaded ‘wall’ at mile 20 – but doing it in her memory will only spur me on!

Your support will help raise vital funds for the Epilepsy Society to continue their research – and help change the lives of other people like Clara.

Thank you!