SUDEP Action

Making every epilepsy death count
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June 2016 Fundraiser's Blog

A place to thank, appreciate and celebrate our fundraisers.

Some brilliant bike journeys, a great golfing event, a couple of fabulous fundraising evenings and an excellent Zumba event made June a brilliant month for SUDEP Action fundraising. 

SUDEP Action Trustee John Hirst took on the Land’s end to John O’Groats cycle challenge in memory of his son James Hirst. John told us: “It was great. There were moments of madness - pedalling downhill in the Grampians because the wind was so strong in our faces that we couldn't freewheel - and some mixed weather but on the whole it was a good experience. 987 miles in 15.5 days and ascents equal to 1.5 Everests!”

Karen Dillon took on her second cycling challenge in memory of her granddaughter Lauren Clarke. Karen commented: “My latest adventure and ride in memory of my granddaughter, the Scotland North Coast 500 coastal route took me through the most amazing scenery. From the brutal climb up Bealach Na Ba which at times is a 20% climb to the rolling coastline along the North and East coast. Every push of the pedal reminded me how lucky I am to be able to undertake such an adventure and I thought every day of my dear granddaughter Lauren who was taken from us too soon. Further details of the route can be found via the following website: www.northcoast500.com

John Coley put his golf skills to the test as part of the Lyme Regis Gold Club’s yearlong support of SUDEP Action. John informed us: “For my Captain’s Charity at Lyme Regis Golf Club, I tested my almost 67 year old body to playing as many holes as possible in one day with sponsorship per Stableford point won. I managed 4 rounds (almost 20 miles), all walked of course, and achieved 127 points. Members and friends were very generous and all proceeds go into the charity account to be split 50/50 between SUDEP Action and another charity. It is good to know all the hard work will go to such a worthy cause and save young lives.”

Valentine Gibbons hosted a charity night in memory of her brother Ashley Gibbons. Valentine commented:  “I organised a charity night in memory of my brother Ashley Gibbons, who we sadly lost on 17th May, 2015. It was a fantastic night of live music, we had Chaffords Voice pop choir, soul singer JB Rose and rock band Blue Cheese. There was hot/cold Buffet and a raffle with brilliant prizes. The night went fantastic, a full house in honour of him.  I wanted to raise awareness of SUDEP as well as mark a year since we said goodbye.”  

Keith and Judy Howland held a charity concert in memory of their son James Howland. They informed us: “We organised this concert early in the year in memory of our son James who died of SUDEP last August 2015.  We sold raffle tickets and had various collection boxes in circulation on the day, and we had a wonderful response from all our friends and families. We have been overwhelmed by all the people on this Park giving of their time and providing gifts for the raffle.  It has helped Keith and I in some way to lessen the pain of losing James whose first anniversary of his death is coming up.”

Louise Medlicott held a Zumbathon in memory of her friend, Kate. Louise commented: “On a sunny evening in June, I rounded up 45 ladies to take part in an outdoor Zumbathon in memory of my dearest friend, Kate. Kate died suddenly in August 2015, aged 37.  Kate was so full of life, always looking for the next adventure and challenge. Kate was a fitness instructor who loved dancing and singing. A Zumbathon was such a fitting tribute to her! We all danced, cried and laughed a lot whilst remembering what an inspirational person Kate was. Thank you to everyone involved.”

Thank you and well done to all our June  fundraisers. 

If you have fundraised in June and would like your story featured, then it is not too late. Email [email protected] with details about your event. 

The SUDEP Action Team 

Most of our fundraisers are fundraising on behalf of a family member or friend who has died.  As we celebrate the success of our fundraisers, we keep in our thoughts their loved one who is no longer with us.