An Ely lawyer, whose daughter has epilepsy, is preparing to lace up her running shoes to complete this year’s Virgin London Marathon. Jacqui Baldwin will attempt the challenging 26.2 mile run on Sunday 22 April to raise vital funds for national charity Epilepsy Action. The charity provides advice and support to the 600,000 people with epilepsy in the UK.
Jacqui, 43, has chosen to run for Epilepsy Action as her daughter, Eve, has epilepsy. Eve was diagnosed with the condition in November 2009, when she was just 16 months old.
Jacqui said: “When first diagnosed, my daughter’s epilepsy was vicious when it struck, although it is now controlled with medication. I want to raise money so that parents in my position continue to be well-informed and supported, and so that children with epilepsy can remain as independent as possible.
“This is the biggest challenge I have ever taken on. We go through life thinking it will never happen to us and sometimes it takes great trauma or challenge to motivate us to make sure it doesn’t happen to others. Or if it does, that they have the support and information they need to cope with it.”
Jacqui hopes to raise £1,600 for Epilepsy Action. To sponsor her, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/JacquiBaldwin . The money raised by Jacqui will help to support Epilepsy Action’s work all over the UK. The charity campaigns to improve epilepsy services and raise awareness of epilepsy. It also provides a national network of support groups, funds a specialist nurse scheme, holds regular regional conferences and has a freephone and email helpline.
Epilepsy affects one in every 103 people in the UK alone and 87 people are diagnosed with the condition every day. Last year Epilepsy Action directly helped 1.1 million people through its range of services.
For more information about epilepsy or taking part in fundraising events for Epilepsy Action, visit www.epilepsy.org.uk/events
“ We exist to improve the lives
of everyone affected by epilepsy ”