A number of years ago my eldest daughter Ishbel sent me a text from the London Marathon where she was spectating, suggesting that it would be a wonderful idea if she and I ran in the London Marathon, and raised money for youngsters suffering from epilepsy.

Ishbel was diagnosed with epilepsy at 18 but, very fortunately, had the condition successfully controlled by medication.  Emotional heartstrings suitably tugged, I texted back and 12 months later, and on a further two occasions, found myself enduring 26 miles of pain for a truly deserving cause.

After the last marathon almost 10 years ago I was certain in my mind (and body!) that I was never, ever going to run a marathon again.  So why, aged 63, am I putting myself through the pain again? In a sense it is simple.  Ishbel was fortunate, but so many youngsters who suffer epilepsy are not, and for them epilepsy is a truly life changing condition.

Young Epilepsy is the UK’s major provider of specialist services for children and young people with epilepsy and other neurological conditions, providing both residential and day services for children and young people aged 5 to 25. YE concentrates on the needs of those most severely affected by epilepsy in the UK with the aim of securing better futures for these children and young people. 

Based in Lingfield, Surrey the Centre provides a UK centre of excellence in the education, care and treatment of young epilepsy sufferers.  In addition, as a practical solution for parents whose children need to access respite care during school holidays, the residential children’s homes provided by YE ensure stability and continuity of care for children throughout the year.  

YE is a truly inspirational charity. I hope very much that you will feel able to sponsor me in my efforts to raise funds on its behalf.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.