Doncaster dad racing to raise money for epilepsy charity

A Doncaster dad is set to put his best foot forward to raise money for an epilepsy charity that has helped his daughter cope with the condition.
Michael Pearson with his daughter Lily, aged 11.Michael Pearson with his daughter Lily, aged 11.
Michael Pearson with his daughter Lily, aged 11.

Lily Pearson was nine years old when she suffered her first epileptic seizure.

While Lily’s dad, Michael has a half-sister who also suffers from epilepsy, it was only when Lily, now aged 11, was diagnosed last year that he began to gain a true understanding of the condition, which affects the brain and causes repeated seizures.

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Some 50,000 people in Yorkshire are thought to have epilepsy.

Since her diagnosis, the brave Askern Spa Junior school pupil’s family have done everything they can to help Lily adjust to living with epilepsy – and dad Michael says the website of charity Epilepsy Action has played a vital role in helping the youngster understand her condition.

“It’s been great for her, because if there was ever a question she’d maybe not want to ask us – she’d be able to look it up on the Epilepsy Action website. I think it’s been really helpful,” said Michael, of Instone Terrace, Askern.

Now the 32-year-old is set to run the Epilepsy Action’s 10k race in Bradford next month in a bid to raise more awareness of epilepsy and to collect funds for the charity.

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Michael said: “It’s a great opportunity to raise awareness and donations for Epilepsy Action and the work they do.

“Lily found it difficult to begin with adjusting to life with epilepsy and taking regular medication.

“My wife Claire and Lily’s sister Poppy also found it difficult understanding what she was going through and how to help her.

“We all found the Epilepsy Action website extremely useful, especially those aimed at children, parents and siblings.

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“I don’t think people know enough about it – so I’m also hoping that this will help people learn a bit more about it.

“Lily’s epilepsy has improved since she started taking medication but she is still having up to four seizures every month – it’s affected our whole family.”

More than 1,500 people are expected to take part in this March’s Bradford 10K – which is now in its ninth year.

Since it began in 2008, it has raised more than £282,000 for Epilepsy Action, with 7,311 runners crossing the finish line.

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Katie Reah, fundraising events and community manager at Epilepsy Action, said: “We are overwhelmed by the support people have given to this event and it continues to go from strength to strength. We hope this year will be no exception.

“Everyone is welcome to sign up, from new runners to those looking to beat their personal best. An added sense of achievement comes from knowing that every penny raised from the event goes to Epilepsy Action.”

For more information about the Epilepsy Action Bradford 10k or to sign up, visit epilepsy.org.uk/bradford10k or call the fundraising team on 0113 210 8881.

The closing date for entries is Thursday, March 10.

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