Helen Maguire, MP for Epsom and Ewell completed the Nonsuch Parkrun on the weekend alongside constituent Barry Ahearn to raise money and awareness for epilepsy.
Helen met Barry earlier this year after reaching out to congratulate him on his recent fundraising achievements. Barry completed 27 half marathons this year in memory of his sister Abbie who died in 2023 after going into cardiac arrest during an epileptic seizure. He raised more than £22,500 to date.
After hearing Barry’s story, Helen has continued to work with him and Epilepsy Action. She has raised issues around epilepsy and the effects of personal independence payment (PIP) cuts in Parliament, as well as helping to organise the running event to raise more awareness of the condition.
Ahead of their run, Helen said: “I’m delighted to be joining Barry Ahearn at our local Parkrun to raise awareness around epilepsy and the incredible work of Epilepsy Action.
“Barry has turned a very personal loss into determined and heartfelt campaigning, and it’ll be a privilege to run alongside him.”
Barry also added that he was really excited to run with Helen. He said: “I’m so grateful for her support.
“Helen heard I was doing the 27 half-marathons and reached out asking to meet with me. We met and chatted about Abbie, epilepsy and the difficulties that come with the condition.
“Since then, she’s raised epilepsy in parliament and is continuing to work with Epilepsy Action to advocate for better healthcare and lives for people with epilepsy.”
The pair were joined for the Parkrun by 35 of Barry’s friends and family.
Not just ‘one of the three’
In 2024, Barry completed his 27 half marathons – a number he chose to represent every minute Abbie was without oxygen whilst paramedics were trying to revive her. He ran organised events including at Richmond Park and Carsington Water, as well as runs he planned such as ‘London Bridges’, zig zagging the Thames from Tower Bridge to Hammersmith Bridge.
He said: “Abbie was only three months away from her 30th birthday when she passed away. She suffered an epileptic seizure that was so severe it sent her into cardiac arrest. Despite the best efforts of the paramedics, doctors, nurses, Abbie passed away three days later.
“According to Epilepsy Action, around 1000 people die from epilepsy-related causes, which is about three people every day. I want to make sure Abbie is not just ‘one of the three’.
“Abbie was kind compassionate, attentive and loyal. She was so much fun to be around, always making jokes and playing pranks. She brightened any room she walked into with her smile and is sorely missed by everyone who knew and loved her.”
“I want her passing to mean something, to help make a difference, not only by raising money to go towards research, but also to raise awareness of how serious this condition is.”
Inspiring determination and resilience
Epilepsy Action chief executive, Rebekah Smith, said the organisation is delighted to see Helen join Barry at the Parkrun. “Helen has been really engaged with the charity and it’s great to see an MP taking active interest in raising awareness for epilepsy.
“We’re looking forward to continuing our work with Helen, and pushing for real change for people with epilepsy across the country.
“All of us at the charity are incredibly grateful for Barry’s extraordinary fundraising efforts for us.
“We were in complete awe when we found out Barry was running 27 half marathons in Abbie’s memory, and he’s continued to amaze us by running his ultra-marathon in October and signing up for the London Marathon in 2026.
“His determination and resilience are so inspiring and the money raised in Abbie’s memory will help so many people with epilepsy.
“Epilepsy Action would like to say a big thank you to Barry for all of his incredible efforts and we are sure his sister Abbie would be so proud.”
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