I’m running Royal Parks Half Marathon for Young Epilepsy, a charity close to my heart.

I was first diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 2 which came as a result of a stroke. Although I don’t remember the seizures, I can only imagine how scary it must have been for my family to feel so helpless. Fortunately medications helped to stabilise the seizures and after around 6 years I outgrew the disorder.

In April 2022 I woke up confused and disorientated with a chipped tooth and a bloodshot eye as a result of having a tonic-clonic seizure in my sleep. Two weeks later another one and then throughout 2022 a number of seizures followed. After a couple of trips to A&E, MRI scans, CT scans, EEGs and neurology appointments I was diagnosed with epilepsy again as an adult. I finally got prescribed medication which has so far, thankfully, kept my seizures under control and allowed me to have my driving licence back after a year of being seizure free.

Experiencing epilepsy as both a child and an adult makes me grateful for the research and treatments available. Losing a beautiful work friend to epilepsy in 2016 makes me count my lucky stars everyday.

I am forever thankful for my family, friends and the professionals who helped me to navigate through the mental and physical sides to epilepsy. Now it’s my chance to repay my gratitude by taking on a challenge to raise money specifically towards young people with epilepsy and their families.

I would be truly grateful for any donations which will make a massive difference for this amazing charity 💜