A Keswick man, whose sister has epilepsy, is preparing to lace up his running shoes to complete the Bupa Great North Run. Ben Armstrong 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.
Ben will attempt the prestigious 13.1 miles through Tyneside on Sunday 16 September. He has chosen to take part for Epilepsy Action because his sister, Tanya, has epilepsy.
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.
Ben said: “My sister has epilepsy and struggled through a tough part of her life as she had just started university when she was diagnosed. She is doing well now after a few years being seizure free, but I want to raise awareness and funds to support other families affected by epilepsy. I’m really looking forward to the atmosphere of running with thousands of other people for a good cause.”
Ben’s other sister Nicky is also taking part in the event for the British Red Cross.
Ben hopes to raise £300 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.
To sponsor Ben, visit www.justgiving.com/Ben-Armstrong0
For more information about epilepsy or taking part in fundraising events for Epilepsy Action, visit www.epilepsy.org.uk/events