SUDEP Action

Making every epilepsy death count
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September 2018

A place to thank, appreciate and celebrate our fundraisers.

September was a busy month of SUDEP Action fundraising. This blog is full of inspiring people doing inspirational things. 

A super team of runners completed the Wigan 10K in memory of Natalie Brown. Runner Sue Cooke informed us, “I ran the Wigan 10k in memory our feisty, funny and beautiful niece, Natalie. She died after an epileptic seizure last July, aged just 27. Her life was full of challenges, but she never complained. I started running in May this year to set myself the challenge for the 10k. My sister and niece walked too. The day was beautiful, sad, and tough but I loved it! Our family will never be the same, but we have so many wonderful memories.”  

Clugston Construction Limited have nominated SUDEP Action as charity of the year! Claire Drayton, Marketing Services Officer said “Each year Clugston asks its staff to nominate a charity to support for the next 12 months.  The nominations are drawn out of a hat and this year, SUDEP was selected as our chosen charity.  The nomination was made by Beverley Fraser. Our fund raising kicked off with a charity golf day held at Forest Pines, Brigg. 24 teams took part in the day which was followed by an evening meal and prize giving.

Kensa Knuckey ran the Bristol Half Marathon in memory of Joey Sims. “WE DID IT! We completed the Bristol Half Marathon. Shockingly in 2.5 hours - which wouldn’t have happened without the amazing Issy Turriff, who sang hymns with completely incorrect lyrics, and a lot of other random stuff. Am very happy it’s finally done and the amount you have all helped to raise for an amazing cause is insane, and all in memory of our favourite Joey Sims - thank you to each and every one of you. Sorry for my ugly running face - I have withheld from posting my crying face that featured a few times!”

Rachel Brown ran the Wigan 10k in memory of Natalie Brown. She informed us,” On 2 September 2018, myself, my mum and sisters best friend, did the Wigan 10k in memory of my amazingly strong sister, Natalie. Who unfortunately died on 22 July 2017 from SUDEP. She was only 27 years old. Never was she seen without a smile, never let life get her down, despite all her struggles. The run was very tiring but all worth it to raise money to hopefully make a change, to prevent any other family going through what we have.”

Nationwide staff member Sharon Phillips held a workplace fundraiser. She informed us “We organised a dress down day in the office for SUDEP Action, to support our colleague Laura in her 21 initiatives for the Prevent21 campaign! Everyone in the office got involved and it was an easy way to raise money for such an important cause. It also helped to raise awareness of SUDEP Action and epilepsy.”

Ellis de-Vaney ran the Robin Hood Half Marathon in memory of Rosie Carter. She told us "I ran the Robin Hood Half Marathon this year to raise money for SUDEP Action, and in memory of my friend Rosie Carter. The atmosphere on the day was incredible and I was overwhelmed by the support I received! The amount of people that asked me about SUDEP was also encouraging – as raising awareness was just as important to me as fundraising. It was a great day and Rosie would have been laughing at me running – especially the uphill parts!" 

Emma Taylor held her charity launch night fundraiser in memory of her daughter Erin. She detailed “After the devastating loss of my daughter Erin, aged 19, to SUDEP in March 2018, we set up a charity, Erin’s Wish, in her memory. All money raised goes directly to SUDEP Action, to aid research and raise awareness. The launch event, a Race Night, was a huge success with over 80 people attending. Local friends and businesses had sponsored races, and a local town councillor opened the evening. A family run Tote plus a raffle and three auctions helped us surpass our target!”

Rachel, Bharat and Amy Sumaria along with James Hewitt spent their September travelling to Istanbul in a Tuk Tuk! Their goal was to drive through 21 countries in recognition of the 21 deaths a week and in memory of Emily Sumaria. The Tuk Tuk To Turkey team kept their own fantastically detailed and entertaining blog which you can find via the following link https://tuktuktoturkey.com/. 

If you have been inspired by this blog to take part in some fundraising, then let us know. You can call Katie on 01235 772850 or email [email protected].

It is not too late to be featured! Email [email protected] to have your fundraising mentioned in this blog.