A Newcastle-upon-Tyne dad, whose daughter has epilepsy, is preparing to lace up his running shoes to complete the Bupa Great North Run. James Minchin 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.
James, (age 31), will attempt the prestigious 13.1 miles through Tyneside on Sunday 16 September. He has chosen to take part because his three year-old daughter, Sophie, has been diagnosed with severe epilepsy. Sophie experiences myoclonic jerks and absence seizures hundreds of times a day and her epilepsy has had an effect on every aspect of her development.
The Bupa Great North Run is the world’s most popular half marathon with over 54,000 runners taking part each year. Over 750 runners have taken part on behalf of Epilepsy Action since 2005.
James, who lives with his family in Fenham, said: “In January 2011, our then two year old daughter, Sophie, was diagnosed with epilepsy. We were understandably upset, but to some extent relieved, that after months of knowing something was wrong, we finally had a diagnosis and could begin medication to control the epilepsy, or so we thought.
“We are now 18 months on, but we are no further. Sophie has tried four medications and we have painfully watched the effects that some of these drugs have had on our little girl. As the months have passed, we have come to realise that Sophie's epilepsy, and epilepsy in general, can be far more complex than we first realised.
“We don’t know what the future holds, but we are grateful for every small step that Sophie takes. She is a beautiful, happy little girl and we are blessed to have her in our lives. I am running this half marathon as a small gesture to raise money for Epilepsy Action and help support other families affected by epilepsy.”
James has already raised over £2,000 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 James, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JamesMinchin
For more information about epilepsy or taking part in fundraising events for Epilepsy Action, visit www.epilepsy.org.uk/events