A Newcastle-upon-Tyne man is preparing to lace up his running shoes to complete the Bupa Great North Run. Ian Gilmour 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.
Ian, (38), will attempt the prestigious 13.1 miles through Tyneside on Sunday 16 September. He has chosen to take part for Epilepsy Action has his fiancée is an epilepsy nurse specialist. Through this, Ian says he has found about the problems people with epilepsy can face.
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.
Ian, who lives in Fenham, said: My fiancée is an epilepsy nurse specialist at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. She asked if I would run for Epilepsy Action and she has told me all about the problems people with epilepsy can face. I’m looking forward to the amazing atmosphere on the day and I can’t wait to see the finish line!”
Ian 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 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