Story
I’m taking on multiple running events in 2026 for Epilepsy Scotland, including the Kilomathon in March, the Blackpool Half Marathon in April, the Edinburgh Marathon Festival full marathon in May, and the Kirkcaldy Half Marathon in August. This isn’t just about running it’s deeply personal.
I was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2014. That diagnosis changed my life overnight. Seizures affected my confidence, independence, and sense of control. Everyday things many people take for granted — routine, planning ahead, trusting your own body — suddenly felt uncertain. Epilepsy doesn’t just affect physical health; it impacts mental wellbeing, identity, and how you view your future.
Seven years ago, I reached a milestone I once wasn’t sure I would — becoming seizure-free. That moment marked the beginning of rebuilding my life. Living with epilepsy forced me to slow down, listen to my body, and take ownership of my health. Through that process, fitness became a key part of my recovery, not just physically but mentally too.
Epilepsy played a huge role in me becoming a personal trainer. Movement wasn’t about performance or aesthetics — it became a tool for structure, confidence, mental strength, and long-term health. Helping others improve their wellbeing became my career, and epilepsy is the reason I found that purpose.
Since 2017, I’ve been raising money for Epilepsy Scotland, and over the years I’ve raised more than £5,000 for the charity. Epilepsy Scotland provides vital education, support, and advocacy for people living with epilepsy and their families — work that truly makes a difference and deserves continued support and awareness.
Life looks different again now. I’m a husband to my beautiful wife, Lorna, and a dad. My kids are my life, and every moment with them is precious. That’s why my training fits around family life. I often run with my daughter in the pram or train while the others are at school — not because it’s easy, but because it means I don’t miss out on time with them. My own fitness has dropped, so this journey is about starting again from scratch, rebuilding consistently, and showing that fitness can fit into real life.
Taking on these events is as much about awareness as it is about fundraising. Epilepsy is still widely misunderstood, and people living with it can feel isolated or limited. Fitness and movement, when done safely and appropriately, can play an important role in supporting physical health, mental wellbeing, and confidence for people with epilepsy.
Every mile I run represents setbacks, resilience, rebuilding, and belief. This challenge is for my family, for everyone living with epilepsy, and for showing that epilepsy does not define a person’s limits.
Thank you for supporting me, supporting Epilepsy Scotland, and being part of this journey.
