A York man is preparing to lace up his running shoes to complete the Bupa Great North Run. Mel Clark 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.
Mel, (age 56), will attempt the prestigious 13.1 miles through Tyneside on Sunday 16 September. He has chosen to take part for Epilepsy Action in memory of his wife’s son Andrew, who died as a result of an epileptic seizure earlier this year, aged 29.
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.
Mel, who lives in Appleton Roebuck, said: “Andrew was a very positive, outgoing, warm and talkative person. Bex, his wife has set up the Andrew Trodden Sunflower Fund for Epilepsy Action in his memory. I hope I can raise as much as possible for the fund to help support other people affected by epilepsy. I’m looking to running along for a good cause with some many others and I can’t wait to see the finish line!”
Mel has already raised almost £600 for Epilepsy Action. His ex-employer, Barclays, will match the money he raises pound for pound, up to £750, as part of the Barclays Community Investment ‘Charity Begins at Work’ Programme,
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 Mel, visit www.justgiving.com/Mel-Clark0
For more information about epilepsy or taking part in fundraising events for Epilepsy Action, visit www.epilepsy.org.uk/events