Epilepsy Action, the UK's largest member-led epilepsy organisation, is urging the people of West Yorkshire to lace up their running shoes and take part in Alice's Run. The 10k multi-terrain race through the Calder Valley, on Sunday 5 September, will raise vital funds to support the 456,000 people living with epilepsy in the UK.
Now in its fifth year, the race was set up to celebrate the life of Blackshaw Head girl, Alice Redmond, who died following a tragic accident in August 2005. Alice worked at Epilepsy Action during her student placement year from Leeds Metropolitan University, where she helped to organise fundraising events and raise awareness of epilepsy.
The race, which is organised by Epilepsy Action, will start at 10.30am at Brearley Field in Mytholmroyd and will finish at Calder High School. Set in beautiful countryside runners will follow a circular route around Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd. Excellent race facilities are provided and the event is suitable for serious runners and first-timers alike. There will be T-shirts and goody bags for all the finishers, and prizes for first, second and third (male and female), as well as veterans.
Alice’s Run offers a great day out for the whole family and a chance for everyone to get involved. There will also be a kilometre children’s fun run with all finishers receiving a medal. This additional race will be held at 10.45am, at Calder High School field.
Philippa Cartwright, events manager at Epilepsy Action, said: "Last year's run attracted over 300 runners and raised an impressive £4,500. Since Alice’s Run was established back in 2006 over £33,000 has been raised. With the success of Alice’s Run growing year on year, the event is a fitting tribute to a much loved and respected member of the Epilepsy Action team. We still have places left for this fantastic and unique event so please sign up and help raise vital funds to help support people affected by epilepsy."
Liv and Steve Redmond, Alice's parents, said: "We are really pleased and proud that Alice's Run continues to be so successful. It is a fitting tribute to Alice and a continuing celebration of her life and her involvement with Epilepsy Action. We are really grateful for continuing support for the event, particularly from the people of Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd.”
To find out more or to register for Alice's Run, call Philippa Cartwright on 0113 210 8800 or visit www.epilepsy.org.uk/involved/alices-run Postal entries close Monday 30 August but people can also sign up on the day.
The money raised by Alice's Run helps 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, including its Epilepsy Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050 and award-winning website, www.epilepsy.org.uk