A Boughton woman, who had epilepsy when she was a child, is preparing to lace up her running shoes to complete the Bupa Great Birmingham Run. Charlotte Mackaness is taking part to raise funds for national charity Epilepsy Action. The charity provides advice and support to the 600,000 people with epilepsy in the UK.
Charlotte, 36, will join around 15,000 runners in attempting the 13.1 miles through Birmingham on Sunday 21 October. Charlotte has chosen to take part for Epilepsy Action because she had epilepsy when she was a child.
Charlotte explains: “I had my first seizure when I was seven years old and, like many children, grew out of epilepsy. Others are not so lucky and the condition has a massive impact on not only their daily lives but those of their families and carers. I had a wonderful doctor and two amazing parents, but I know my epilepsy was a huge worry to them and added to the pressure and anxiety that all parents experience when bringing up children.
“I wasn't able to go to the cinema, go to discos or watch Top of the Pops (because of worries the lights might trigger a seizure) until I was about 14. It isn't a lot compared to what many people go through everyday but it did add to my feeling of being different.
“So much can be done to help remove the stigma of epilepsy and help children lead normal lives. The paediatric unit of my local hospital in Northampton does a great deal in writing letters and giving talks to schools, colleges, Brownie packs etc to help children with epilepsy integrate. It has also established a Teenage Transition outpatient clinic in order to help young people move across smoothly into adulthood and adult medical care. Also, Epilepsy Action helped fund a Children’s Epilepsy Nurse Specialist through the Sapphire Nurse Scheme.”
“At the moment, just over half of people with epilepsy are seizure free. Epilepsy Action believes this figure could be nearer 70 per cent. What a huge difference that would make to so many lives. I’m really looking forward to raising money for a cause close to my heart and the amazing atmosphere on the day.”
Charlotte hopes to raise as much as possible for Epilepsy Action. The money raised 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 around one in every 100 people in the UK. Every day 17 children and young people aged 18 years and younger are diagnosed with epilepsy. Last year Epilepsy Action directly helped 1.1 million people through its range of services.
To sponsor Charlotte, visit www.justgiving.com/Charlotte-Mackaness
For more information about epilepsy or taking part in fundraising events for Epilepsy Action, visit www.epilepsy.org.uk/events