{"id":52,"date":"2026-03-19T11:34:02","date_gmt":"2026-03-19T11:34:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/aflame\/?p=52"},"modified":"2026-03-19T11:50:39","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T11:50:39","slug":"running-the-london-marathon-for-epilepsy-action","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/aflame\/2026\/03\/19\/running-the-london-marathon-for-epilepsy-action\/","title":{"rendered":"Running the London Marathon for Epilepsy Action"},"content":{"rendered":"

Guest blog by Faye Bell, aFLAME Disability Network member<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you had told me a few years ago that I would be training for the 2026 London Marathon<\/strong>, I probably would have laughed. But here I am, running through rain, cold, early mornings and everything in between, all for a cause that means the world to me: Epilepsy Action<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

My Epilepsy Journey<\/strong><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve lived with epilepsy for over 25 years. It\u2019s been a long road, full of challenges, uncertainty, and moments that have tested me more than I ever expected. But it\u2019s also been a journey of learning, resilience, and growth.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m incredibly grateful to be able to say that I\u2019ve now been seizure-free for two years. That progress didn\u2019t happen overnight. It took the right support, the right information, and the right people in my corner. This support includes the members of AFLAME a supportive network here at the University of Bath for staff members living with a disability to discuss real change. This is a huge part of why I feel so strongly about giving back.<\/p>\n

Why I\u2019m Supporting Epilepsy Action<\/strong><\/p>\n

Epilepsy Action has been a constant source of help throughout my life with epilepsy. Their information, advice, community and campaigning have made such a difference not just to me, but to countless people who feel alone or misunderstood because of this condition.<\/p>\n

Epilepsy still carries so much stigma and confusion. People don\u2019t always know what epilepsy really is, how to respond to a seizure, or the impact it can have on everyday life. By running for Epilepsy Action, I want to help change that, even if it\u2019s only in a small way.<\/p>\n

My Marathon Journey<\/strong><\/p>\n

This year I set myself a goal: to push my limits and run not just for<\/em> something, but because<\/em> something matters. I\u2019ve already completed two half marathons in 2025 and have two more coming up in early 2026. Training through winter is no joke! \u00a0The cold does not<\/em> care that I\u2019m living with epilepsy or that I don\u2019t have the energy to get out of bed. But every time I think about why I\u2019m doing this, I keep going.<\/p>\n

Every mile is a reminder of how far I\u2019ve come, and of the people I\u2019m running for: those who live with epilepsy every day, who need support, understanding and hope.<\/p>\n

Why Support Matters<\/strong><\/p>\n

Every donation to my fundraising page means more than you know. It keeps me motivated through the toughest training days but most importantly, it helps Epilepsy Action:<\/p>\n