Student’s 150km charity challenge raises awareness of life with epilepsy
A University of Chester student who has lived with epilepsy since childhood is taking on a 150km running challenge this month to raise understanding, awareness and money for a charity helping people with the condition.
Talia Mckillop, a postgraduate Psychology student from Cheshire, has set herself the target of completing the 150km challenge, running 5km a day in October, and raising £800 in aid of Epilepsy Action.
Diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of three, Talia shared that the challenge was about much more than covering the distance; she hoped it would help highlight the impact epilepsy has on people’s lives.
The 21-year-old explained that while epilepsy was a common health condition, many people knew nothing or little about it, associating it with “flashing lights and falling over”, when it was much more unpredictable and complex, affecting lives in ways that were not always visible.
Talia said: “This challenge is for the younger version of me - the girl who had no idea what epilepsy really meant, how much it could change your life, or how much more there was to epilepsy than seizures.
“When I first experienced epilepsy, I didn’t understand what I was going through. I didn’t realise how much it could affect your everyday life, your independence, your confidence or your mental health. I certainly didn’t realise how many other people were going through similar experiences.
“Epilepsy is still so underrepresented and misunderstood. There is so much more to living with epilepsy than what people see from the outside, and I want to help change that.”
Talia, who is currently studying a Master of Science (MSc) in Psychology (Conversion), having previously completed her Zoology Bachelor of Science (BSc) at the University, added: “I’m running these 150km because I want to turn something that has been such a difficult part of my life into something positive. Running every day will be tricky at times as epilepsy comes with bad days but that’s a reason I’m doing it - to get up and do something even on the bad days.
“I want to start conversations, challenge the lack of understanding around epilepsy and help make sure that someone else going through a similar journey doesn’t feel as unprepared or alone as I once did.”
Philippa Cartwright, Director of Fundraising for Epilepsy Action, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Talia for taking on this challenge and for speaking so openly about her experience of living with epilepsy.
“Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions, affecting 630,000 in the UK, as well as their families and loved ones. Yet it is still widely misunderstood, which is why raising awareness and helping people understand how they can support someone with epilepsy and be an epilepsy ally is so important.
“By sharing her story and running an amazing 150km, Talia is helping to start those important conversations while raising vital funds to support our work.
“We'll be cheering her on every step of the way and wish her the very best with the challenge."
Epilepsy Action works to create a world without limits for everyone affected by epilepsy, connecting people, and providing support, information and education.
To donate, share Talia’s fundraiser or simply learn more about epilepsy, please visit Talia’s JustGiving page
For further information about Epilepsy Action, go to: https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/