Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain in which there is a tendency to have recurring seizures. There are over 40 different types of epilepsy, and it can affect anyone, at any age, from any walk of life. An epileptic seizure results from a sudden electrical discharge in the brain that causes changes in sensation, behaviour or consciousness.

I’m Tom, Beth’s dad. Beth has recurring epileptic seizures, the first of which she suffered aged just seven weeks old in November 2015. This February Beth was diagnosed as having a rare de novo gene mutation – the cause of her seizures. 

Beth is one of 600,000 people in the UK that have epilepsy, 112,000 of whom are aged 25 years and under. Beth’s particular condition is difficult to treat with antiepileptic medication but 70% of the population with epilepsy could be seizure-free with the right treatment.

On Sunday 30^th October I will be joined, on the start line at least, by
Ollie, Jon and Richard to compete in the River Thames Half Marathon and raise funds for Young Epilepsy.

An intrepid quartet of first-time
fathers originally flung together by the duties of the NCT, and now bound by
the Surrey pub quiz calendar, a post-baby run had been mooted for quite some
time. Before usually succumbing to beers and BBQs.

With the summer coming to an end, and tales of ales and brisket subsiding somewhat, it was finally time to take the plunge. And with good reason.

Young Epilepsy’s mission is to enable children and young people with epilepsy and associated conditions to develop their full potential through:

• Removing stigma and discrimination

• Being at the forefront of research into epilepsy

• Providing expert information, training and advice to professionals and families

• Influencing policy and thought

• Delivering unique integrated health, education and care services to support students at the Lingfield campus to achieve progression and independence.

Here you can read all about how Young Epilepsy is already making a difference -  . With out efforts and your cash, they can continue to do so.

If you want to support us - and if you've read this far, why on earth wouldn't you - then please take a minute to look for some loose change down the back of the sofa and make a donation. We need all the help we can get. In more ways than one.

Big hugs and thanks on behalf of Beth and all the boys.