A Southampton dad is preparing to lace up his running shoes to complete the BUPA Great South Run. Terry Stride will take part in aid of Epilepsy Action, the UK’s largest member-led epilepsy organisation.
Terry, 29, who lives in Marchwood, will take part in Europe’s leading 10-mile road race on Sunday 24 October to help support the 456,000 people living with epilepsy in the UK. He has chosen to run for Epilepsy Action because his daughter Iona, aged 1, has epilepsy.
Terry will join 23,000 others to race through the streets of Southsea, Portsmouth. The fast, flat course will take runners past various landmarks including HMS Victory and the Spinnaker Tower.
Terry said: “My daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy and had a stroke when she was five months old; I found it difficult to come to terms with her diagnosis. Epilepsy Action was a great source of support and information during this time. I will be very proud to run for the charity that has helped my daughter and my family. I want to raise awareness of epilepsy and Epilepsy Action. If it wasn’t for my daughter I wouldn’t have as much information or awareness about this condition.”
“I am very excited about the event and it will be a huge personal challenge as I haven’t run this far in over 12 years. My brother-in-law Paul Dougherty, 33, will also be running with me and for Epilepsy Action. He has recently completed the Great North 10k so it will be great to have his company and support.”
Michael White, fundraising events officer at Epilepsy Action, said: The BUPA Great South Run has proved a very successful and popular event for Epilepsy Action in previous years. It has helped raise £24,000 to support people affected by epilepsy.
Terry is hoping to raise over £500. To show your support for Terry and Epilepsy Action, visit www.justgiving.com/terry-stride. The money raised will help fund the vital advice and information provided by Epilepsy Action.
Epilepsy Action is a registered charity that helps over 688,000 people every year through a range of services. These include its advice and information services, branch network and Sapphire Nurse Scheme. Epilepsy is a neurological condition which affects people of all ages and walks of life. One in every 131 people in the UK has epilepsy.
Epilepsy Action still has guaranteed places available until 24 September for the Great South Run. To sign up or find out more, please call Michael White on 0113 210 8800 or email events@epilepsy.org.uk