On 28th September 1996, our beautiful daughter, Erin Louise Jackson was born. Erin was the sunshine in our life.
When she was 5 months old she had her first seizure. Despite many tests and hospital visits, a reason for her epilepsy was never discovered. We were told that this was a good sign and she would probably grow out of it. The tests, drugs and numerous trips to hospital, many in an emergency ambulance, never phased Erin. She was quick to laugh and took everything in her stride. She hit all her normal milestones, walking and was beginning to be quite a chatterbox, with a massive love of Teletubbies. She was loved by so many people.
Sadly, shortly after Erin's 2nd birthday, on 14th December 1998, she suffered a large seizure in the night and passed away.
Whilst searching for races to take part in 2014 (I was not really looking for a marathon, eek!) an ad came up to take part in the Berlin marathon. The date of the marathon was 28th September 2014, Erin's 18th birthday. Epilepsy Society had a place in their team. After much soul searching and discussion with Geoff (my husband) and close friends, I felt that I had to do it. The training was difficult, the emotional journey was harder but I did it.
I have now been offered a place in the London marathon. This is a dream come true for me as I've always wanted to run London and so the training and fundraising begins again.
I am running in aid of Epilepsy Society. They provide support for families affected by epilepsy and fund cutting edge research and I hope that by raising funds it will help to stop other families from suffering the loss that we have.
When she was 5 months old she had her first seizure. Despite many tests and hospital visits, a reason for her epilepsy was never discovered. We were told that this was a good sign and she would probably grow out of it. The tests, drugs and numerous trips to hospital, many in an emergency ambulance, never phased Erin. She was quick to laugh and took everything in her stride. She hit all her normal milestones, walking and was beginning to be quite a chatterbox, with a massive love of Teletubbies. She was loved by so many people.
Sadly, shortly after Erin's 2nd birthday, on 14th December 1998, she suffered a large seizure in the night and passed away.
Whilst searching for races to take part in 2014 (I was not really looking for a marathon, eek!) an ad came up to take part in the Berlin marathon. The date of the marathon was 28th September 2014, Erin's 18th birthday. Epilepsy Society had a place in their team. After much soul searching and discussion with Geoff (my husband) and close friends, I felt that I had to do it. The training was difficult, the emotional journey was harder but I did it.
I have now been offered a place in the London marathon. This is a dream come true for me as I've always wanted to run London and so the training and fundraising begins again.
I am running in aid of Epilepsy Society. They provide support for families affected by epilepsy and fund cutting edge research and I hope that by raising funds it will help to stop other families from suffering the loss that we have.