The Epilepsy Society is incredibly close to my heart. Our 14 year old daughter Hope has suffered from Epilepsy since 2013. Hope has a rare brain malformation called Polymicrogyria that causes Epilepsy, amongst other issues, to a significant number of sufferers.

After trying quite a few medicines, and countless hospital trips, we have her seizures down to several a week. But so far the medical professionals can’t seem to stop them. This has an effect on Hopes independence, her learning, has an impact on what she can and cannot do, and causes her anxiety. She can have several seizures a night, and when awake, there is always a risk of injury.

This all has a massive effect on my family, and thousands of others. The Epilepsy Society has been invaluable to me, and many others with support and information to help us deal with Hopes condition.

By running the London Marathon with the Epilepsy Society’s Team Purple, I hope to help them raise awareness and enable them to continue their incredible work.

Some of you may think this will be easy for me as I have been running for many years now - but don’t be fooled! I have never undertaken anything like this. I prefer to eat chocolate and drink wine, and after injury this summer, I am literally starting my training from zero!

Please support me in any way you can, it would mean the world to me xx

Epilepsy Society's incredible Team Purple will be dedicating days, weeks and months to fundraising and training for this iconic 26.2 mile running event to change the lives of people affected by epilepsy across the UK. Our exciting new phase of genetic research will enable those with epilepsy to receive the right diagnosis, at the right time and receive the right medication and care. We also provide information and emotional support via our helpline for people with epilepsy, their families, friends and professionals.