I am proud, honoured and absolutely terrified to say that I running in the 2022 TCS London Marathon as part of Epilepsy Society's Team Purple!

As a Specialist Nurse for Children with Disability and Epilepsy I have seen first hand the impact this neurological condition can have on the person diagnosed, their loved ones and their whole support network. My job enables me to play a small part in these families lives and Epilepsy Society is always such a huge part of that. The charity provides up to date medical information, support for families and cutting edge research which is vital in managing this life altering condition. 

In January 2019 my two year old nephew had his first febrile seizure and this was hands down one of the scariest nights of my life! I walked through the door of my sister-in-laws house at the exact moment he began to seize, his eyes rolling into the back of his head and his little body stiff and shaking. I went straight into nurse mode, calling an ambulance, putting him onto his side and preparing myself to have to give mouth to mouth as his tiny lips turned more blue in front of me. I have never been more grateful for backup when the ambulance crew arrived and he was rushed to the children's hospital where I knew he would get the best care from people I am lucky enough to call colleagues. My nephews first seizure lasted 50 minutes in total and resolved eventually due to medication administered & available through our wonderful NHS. He has since had more complex febrile seizures but thankfully for him and our family his EEG showed no signs of epilepsy & it is thought he will grow out of having febrile seizures. The absolute fear and helplessness I felt that night is something the parents and families of the children I look after have to deal with on a daily basis and is a huge driving force for me wanting to take on this challenge! 

Update - In March of this year my mum who was previously fit and well with no health concerns had her first tonic clonic seizure, requiring emergency care and treatment. My mum has gone on to be diagnosed with Epilepsy, takes daily medication and has over the last few months had to adjust to a new way of life. I never thought our family would have to reach out to the Epilepsy Society from a personal perspective and it has given me even more determination to complete the London Marathon! What are the chances of already being signed up to raise money for such a wonderful charity when it then impacts your family on such a personal level! 

I am going to be running for my nephew, all the children I work with, the 600,000 people in the UK who suffer with epilepsy and now at the forefront of my mind for every run I do my wonderful mum! The London Marathon is a huge challenge but... 26.2 miles... lets do this! Any donations you are able to make would be hugely appreciated and will spur me on throughout my training and on the big day! Thank you in advance xxx