A Skelton woman, whose daughter has epilepsy, is preparing to lace up her running shoes to complete the Bupa Great North Run. Carol Palin will take part to raise vital funds for Epilepsy Action, the UK's largest member-led epilepsy organisation.
Carol will attempt the prestigious 13.1-mile race through Tyneside on Sunday 20 September to help support the 456,000 people living with epilepsy in the UK.
The Bupa Great North Run is the world's most popular half marathon with over 50,000 runners taking part in 2008. Over £135,000 has been raised from this event for Epilepsy Action. Almost 600 runners have taken part on behalf of the charity since 2005.
Carol said: "My daughter Ruby, aged 6, was diagnosed with epilepsy in April this year. It was a massive shock and completely out of the blue. We are gradually coming to terms with her condition but would like to raise money for Epilepsy Action, which plays such an important role in raising awareness of epilepsy.
I'm really excited about taking on this challenge and I hope I can raise as much as possible for Epilepsy Action. I'm really looking forward to the fantastic atmosphere and the warmth and support of the runners and locals lining the streets of the north east!"
The money raised by Carol will help fund the vital advice and information services provided by Epilepsy Action.
Last year alone the organisation directly helped over 685,500 people through a range of services. These include its advice and information centre, branch network, Epilepsy Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050 and award-winning website, www.epilepsy.org.uk
Applications for the Great North Run through Epilepsy Action have now closed, but anyone who has gained a place independently can still run for the charity. For more information contact Michael White on 0113 210 8800 or email events@epilepsy.org.uk.