Rye mum's marathon challenge tohelp families living with epilepsy

A Rye mum, whose son has severe epilepsy, is taking on the challenge of running the London Marathon on Sunday.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Apr 2016, 11:41 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 21:54 BST

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Leanne Gammon SUS-160420-102953001Leanne Gammon SUS-160420-102953001
Leanne Gammon SUS-160420-102953001

Leanne Gammon, 35, will be running to raise vital funds for national charity Epilepsy Action.

Leanne’s son, Morgan, six, has severe and difficult to treat epilepsy.

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Morgan started having seizures when he was three and can have up to 100 seizures a day.

Despite trying many different epilepsy medicines, Morgan’s doctors have not found a medicine that controls his epilepsy. He recently had a vagus nerve stimulator implanted. The device, which is similar to a pace-maker, sends impulses to the brain which help to prevent the electrical activity that causes seizures.

Leanne said: “Over the past three years, we have experienced first-hand how much epilepsy can affect a family. Seeing Morgan have a seizure is horrible, I feel completely powerless. Running the London Marathon for Epilepsy Action is a great way to help other families like us.

“I started running a few years ago to lose a few pounds and it has fast become a brilliant way to get some ‘me’ time and let off steam. I am extremely grateful to my husband who has supported me with my marathon training. This is my first ever marathon, but I am confident that it will be an amazing and really emotional experience.”

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Leanne hopes to raise £2,500. The money she raises will help to support the charity’s work all over the UK. Epilepsy Action campaigns to improve epilepsy services and raise awareness of the condition. It also provides a national network of support groups, funds a specialist nurse scheme, holds regular regional events and has a freephone and email helpline.

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