Staff at a Leeds distribution centre are preparing to pull on their walking shoes to support Yeadon-based national charity Epilepsy Action.
The group all work at Spectrum for Arcadia distribution centre, Torre Road, Leeds. They will walk 29 miles from Skipton to Leeds along the Leeds to Liverpool Canal on Saturday 9 July.
The walk is in memory of Matthew Kirk, who died from sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in 2009, aged just 31. Matthew’s father, Mick, works at Spectrum and his work colleagues and friends are getting together to show their support.
Ray Dingley, who is organising the walk, said: “We all wanted to do something in memory of Matthew and to help other people affected by epilepsy. There will be 20 to 30 work colleagues, friends and family members walking. Hopefully between us we will raise lots of money and raise awareness of Epilepsy Action.
“I hope we will walk the 29 miles as a team. I’m really looking forward to the team spirit generated by walking and raising lots of money for such a worthy cause.”
Spectrum staff are planning other fundraising events for Epilepsy Action, including fancy dress, raffles and a car wash. Matthew’s brothers also completed the Epilepsy Action Bradford 10k in March to raise funds for the charity. To support the walkers, visit www.justgiving.com/michael-kirk2
Epilepsy affects one in every 131 people in the UK alone and 75 people are diagnosed with the condition every day. Last year Epilepsy Action directly helped over 845,000 people through a range of services. These include its Epilepsy Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050, branch network, specialist nurse scheme and award-winning website, www.epilepsy.org.uk
For more information about epilepsy and SUDEP, visit www.epilepsy.org.uk