Epilepsy Action, the UK's largest member-led epilepsy organisation, is urging the people of 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 30 August, will raise vital funds to support the 456,000 people living with epilepsy in the UK.
Now in its fourth 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, the event is suitable for serious runners and first-timers alike. There will be T-shirts for all the finishers, and prizes for male and female first, second and third as well as veterans.
In addition to the main race there will also be a mile junior trail race for ages 8-11 and 12-14. This will start at 9.45am in Brearley Field. There will also be a kilometre children’s fun run at 10.45am at Calder High School field, making Alice's Run a great day out for the whole family. All finishers of both races will receive a medal.
Philippa Corner, events manager at Epilepsy Action, said: "Last year's run attracted 300 runners and raised an impressive £7,200. We hope this year's run will be even more successful as a fitting tribute to Alice, who was a much loved and respected member of the Epilepsy Action team.
"We still have places left for this fantastic 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 so pleased that the event continues to go from strength to strength and continues to be a fitting tribute to Alice and her memory. We hope that as many local people as possible support the event and enjoy a good family day out."
To find out more or to register for Alice's Run, call Philippa Corner on 0113 210 8800 or visit www.epilepsy.org.uk/involved/alices-run 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
685,500 people through a range of services, including its Epilepsy Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050 and award-winning website, www.epilepsy.org.uk