I’m Yasmin and I have epilepsy. I experienced my first seizure at 10 years old and for over two decades have been navigating all of the challenges that this condition causes. Since being diagnosed I have experienced countless seizures, suffered from various traumas that have caused both short-term and long-term physical and mental effects, and dealt with unpredictable changes to my triggers, including my most recent trigger, pregnancy.

Epilepsy is a common health condition, that many people know nothing about or have ill-informed misconceptions. Most people see epilepsy as an inconvenience that is impacted by flashing lights and causes people to fall over and seize. However, there are many different types of seizures, various triggers and it is an unpredictable, and potentially fatal, condition.

In addition to living with epilepsy, I also volunteer at Epilepsy Action as an Ethnic Communities panel member. Epilepsy Action is creating a world without limits for those affected by epilepsy, connecting people with others, and providing support and information. Epilepsy Action is calling out the misunderstanding, prejudice and barriers that stop people with epilepsy living their best life.

To show my commitment to raising money for a cause extremely close to my heart, I will be running/walking 2.6K for 26 days to raise £2.6K ahead of Purple Day on March 26.

Purple Day is a global grassroots event that was formed with the intention to increase worldwide awareness of epilepsy, and to dispel common myths and fears of this neurological condition.

p.s. I’m not a runner and will be in my third trimester of pregnancy, so I hope that what might seem like a small effort to some doesn’t go unnoticed