A Lincoln couple, whose son has epilepsy, are taking part in a skydive, along with family and friends, for charity. Gemma Russell and Carl Stenner will complete a parachute jump on Saturday 28 July to raise funds for national charity Epilepsy Action. The charity provides advice and support to the 600,000 people with epilepsy in the UK.
Gemma, 26, and Carl, 29, are taking on the challenge because their son Leo, 18 months, has epilepsy. They will jump, harnessed to the front of a fully qualified parachuting instructor, from 15,000 feet at Skydive Hibaldstow, near Brigg. Nine of their family and friends will also be taking part (Danielle Stenner, Zoe Stenner, Mick Horton, Amy Fullwood, Tony Whitelaw, Danielle Harlow, Emma Falconer, Pam Sidebottom and Mandy Johnson).
Gemma, who lives in Bracebridge Heath, explains: “Our son Leo has faced more challenges in his short life than most people do in their life. At just two weeks old our life turned upside down when we very nearly lost our little miracle. Since then Leo has undergone numerous tests and frequent trips to theatre. At six months of age Leo was diagnosed with occipital epilepsy. Despite taking medication his condition remains a challenge to control. Alongside his epilepsy, Leo receives his food and fluid intake via a tube in his tummy.
“To raise awareness of epilepsy and how this awful condition can affect people like Leo, me and a group of amazing people have offered to complete a charity skydive to raise money and awareness for Epilepsy Action.
“With the money we hope to raise for Epilepsy Action, they can provide advice, information and support to more people affected by epilepsy, like us.“
Following the jump, the family will be hosting a charity night at the Lincoln Imp pub in Leo’s honour.
Gemma, Carl and friends hope to raise a total of £4,500 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 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
To sponsor Leo’s Challenge or for more information, visit www.justgiving.com/Gemma-Russell0