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.

Epilepsy has affect life for 36 years due to my mother having had the illness right up until she passed in 2018. There’s so much more to it than the seizures, which in themselves are pretty scary to witness as a 12 year old. Seeing my Mam so ill, confused, unable to do things she wanted to do and watching her cry because it was getting her down. She became very depressed over the years and would call me up confused and crying asking me “Why me?”. Utterly heartbreaking. I felt so helpless. I miss her every single day. Since then I’ve known many others either with the illness or a family member has/had it. It’s scary, really scary and finding the correct medication as soon as possible is vital. Medication can be hit and miss in the beginning and can have devastating effects, as I’ve witnessed over the years. 

Raising money for the Epilepsy Society will help this vital research and give help to affected families which is so important. I can’t express enough how hard it can be for anyone affected by it in one way or another. I was very lucky to receive this late entry for the brilliant London marathon in April so I’m asking everyone to help me reach this target. I don’t have a massive amount of time and I’m asking everyone to just give what they can. Every £ counts. Help me do this. 

Thank you for taking time to read this,

In remembrance of my Mam and Jessica 💜

Glenda