To mark our 30th year, we (Abs, Bron, Char, Eleanor, Hannah and Kate) have set our sights on conquering the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on Saturday 12 July 2025, to raise money for the Epilepsy Research Institute UK!

In the UK, around 1 in 100 people have epilepsy, and an estimated 80 people are diagnosed every day. The Epilepsy Research Institute's mission is to radically advance research into the causes, prevention and treatment of epilepsy and associated conditions. This is a cause close to our hearts, as Abs' older brother, Matt, was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 5. Having been told that his condition may improve in adolescence, Matt instead started to have tonic-clonic seizures from the age of 13.

Epilepsy can start at any age; there are many different types, which affect everyone in different ways. For Abs' brother, it is a predominantly invisible condition, his seizures are unpredictable and come without warning. Epilepsy not only affects the individual, but impacts all those that love them, who often live in a constant state of high alert; anxious for the future and what might happen, and despite every effort, often fearing the worst.

The wide-ranging impact of epilepsy goes far beyond seizures alone. It can affect many parts of daily life and lived experience - from physical and mental health, memory, education, wellbeing, family and relationships, and the ability to work and travel.

Matt's seizures have mostly been controlled by medication (which in itself has been an ongoing and difficult process and sadly brings with it a whole host of side effects). As such, he considers himself to be one of the lucky ones. Matt, now 31, is stoic about his condition, he never complains and can often be heard saying "there are other people with epilepsy experiencing far worse". But as epilepsy is unpredictable, a sense of uncertainty will always remain. For some, the condition is uncontrollable and unresponsive to medication and for most, the fear of epilepsy-related death is rarely far from mind.

In 50% of people living with epilepsy there is no known cause. By supporting #TeamScience, it is our hope that the ongoing work of the Epilepsy Research Institute UK will deliver life-changing breakthroughs that not only help to control seizures, minimise side effects, and improve the lives of those living with epilepsy, but that this vital research will ultimately find ways to prevent and stop it altogether!

Our 25-mile trek will start at 6:30 AM in Horton-in-Ribblesdale, from which we climb up to the summit of our first peak Pen-y-Ghent (694m/2,276 ft). After, we will continue to the second peak - the highest of all three - Whernside (736m/2,415 ft). We will then start our ascent to our third and final peak – Ingleborough (723m / 2,237 ft). Following the final trek back to the finish line, we will be heading straight to the local to celebrate with a much-needed pie and pint!

Thank you very much for taking the time to read our page. If you are in a position to support us, we would be so grateful - all donations are very much appreciated!

With love,

Abs, Bron, Char, Elna, Hannah and Kate x

For more information, please visit: https://epilepsy-institute.org.uk/