A Burnley man and his two sons are preparing to lace up their running shoes to complete the Bupa Great North Run. Michael (49), Matthew (18), and 20 year-old Alex Riley will take part to raise vital funds for Epilepsy Action, the UK's largest member-led epilepsy organisation.
The trio, who live in Barley will attempt the prestigious 13.1 mile race through Tyneside on Sunday 19 September. They have chosen to run for Epilepsy Action to help support the 456,000 people living with epilepsy in the UK and because Matthew has epilepsy.
The Bupa Great North Run is the world's most popular half marathon with over 54,000 runners taking part in 2009. Over £185,000 has been raised from this event for Epilepsy Action with almost 500 runners having taken part on behalf of the charity since 2005.
Alex said: "Epilepsy has had a massive impact on all our lives since my brother Matt was diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy nearly five years ago. It has had a similar impact on hundreds of thousands more families across the UK. We are hoping to collectively raise £900 to help Epilepsy Action to continue the brilliant work it does year on year, providing support to people with epilepsy and their families.”
Matthew said: “As I am only just old enough to take part it will be a great personal challenge. As I have epilepsy I also want to raise awareness of the condition, I want people to know what we have to go through. I am really excited being part of such a big event for the first time.”
To show your support for the Rileys and Epilepsy Action visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/RileysRun.
The money raised will help fund the vital advice and information services provided by Epilepsy Action.
Last year alone the organisation directly helped over 688,000 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.