focus
Epilepsy Research UK Newsletter
Tangible
results
As our Scientific Advisory
Committee gears up to
select this year’s new research
awards, it is very encouraging
to report the tangible results
of several projects from
previous years.
These reports demonstrate
some of the universal truths
of research: that things don’t
always turn out as you expect
and nothing worthwhile happens
overnight! Dr Pavlov’s work in
optogenetics is at the cutting
edge of epilepsy research. It is,
therefore, not surprising that the
early stages of his project have
thrown up more questions than
answers. However the field of
optogentics is one that offers
huge potential to develop
new ways to combat epilepsy.
Likewise, Dr Zuberi’s work on
immunotherapy is another area
that is relatively new, but is
already producing new avenues
for treatment. We are also
extremely encouraged by the
fact that Professor Gray’s work
on memory loss and epilepsy has
reached the clinical trials stage,
after many years of preparatory
research, meaning a treatment
could be available soon.
All of this research has been
funded by the generosity and
efforts of donors and fundraisers,
and we are pleased to recount the
tales of some of our more intrepid
fundraisers in this issue. I’m sure
you will find these stories inspiring
and they will hopefully galvanise
you into action on Purple Day or
National Epilepsy Week. But if
you feel bungee-jumping is not
for you, please be assured that
the gift of your time or a donation
would be equally appreciated!
Leigh Slocombe, Chief Executive
RESEARCH NEWS
Important
p
insights
g
into how seizures
begin
An interim report submitted
by Dr Ivan Pavlov of
University College London
following the first year of
a research project funded by ERUK in
2013 has revealed unexpected findings.
Neurons communicate using chemicals
called neurotransmitters, which are either
excitatory or inhibitory, and there must
be a fine balance between the two for
normal brain function to occur. During
a seizure, groups of neurons become
hyperexcited and fire uncontrollably.
Advances in a technique known as
optogenetics have made it possible to
activate or inhibit selected populations of
neurons using controlled pulses of light,
and this raises the possibility of producing
devices that quickly end seizures once
they have started. However, there is still
limited understanding about the events
that trigger and sustain epileptic activity
in the brain, and this remains a major
obstacle to the development of effective
new anti-epileptic therapies. In this
project, Dr Pavlov and colleagues are
combining optogenetic tools and electrical
recordings to establish how specific types
of neuron contribute to seizure generation
in vitro
o (in an experimental environment).
Their year 1 report has now been
submitted and it shows a very surprising
discovery - that activation of certain
inhibitoryy neurons can produce a similar
pattern of brain activity to that seen
between seizures. The team has also
noticed that reducing the excitability
of specific types of these neurons
shortens recurrent seizures.
The next step will be to establish
whether these findings apply in real life,
and whether it is possible to manipulate
inhibitory neurons using optogenetics,
to alter epileptic activity in rodents.
The group will also investigate the
precise mechanisms responsible
for their unexpected findings. We look
forward to finding out about their progress!
transforming lives through research
ERUK Focus Newsletter Spring 2015 6pp-LP.indd 3
Spring 2015
A new mechanism
for absence seizures
ERUK Fellow Dr Murray
Herd, from the University
of Dundee, has discovered
a method of communication
between neurons that may
promote absence seizures.
INTRODUCTION
Absence seizures are brief blank spells
of about 5-20 seconds, during which a
person stares into space and is unaware
of their surroundings. These episodes
produce distinct wave patterns on EEG,
which are interesting because they seem
to be caused by abnormal inhibition rather
than too much excitation. It is still not
clear, however, exactly how these waves
are formed, and in 2010 Dr Herd was
awarded a fellowship to investigate this.
BACKGROUND
Networks of neurons exist between the
thalamus (in the centre of the brain) and
the brain cortex. These play an important
role in sleep, but they are also involved in
the generation of absence seizures. It is
possible, therefore, that absence seizures
happen because of a distortion in electrical
activity within these thalamocortical networks.
Inhibitory cells within the thalamus – that
release a chemical called GABA – are
crucial to the function of thalamocortical
networks. Here GABA acts on different
types of receptor and can produce both
short- and long-lived inhibition (silencing)
of neurons. This fellowship aimed to find
out just how these different ‘modes’ of
inhibition respond to different levels of
activity in the thalamus, and how they
interact to produce absence seizures.
For the study Dr Herd sourced rodents
that been bred to lack a GABA receptor
component (and so could not produce
normal inhibition in the thalamus), along
with a ‘normal’ control/comparison group.
He then recorded the electrical activity in the
animals’ thalamocortical networks in various
conditions, to find out how a type of GABA
receptor known as eGABA
AA responded
to different levels of thalamic activity.
Continued overleaf >>
Page 1
10/03/2015 14:33
>> Continued from p1
RESULTS
Dr Herd discovered that, instead of
providing a constant but relatively static
‘brake’ to neuronal excitability, eGABA
AAs
promoted a highly dynamic inhibitory
signal that varies in both length and
strength. He found that during bursts
of GABA release – as seen in absence
seizures – eGABA
AAs came together in
a ‘spillover’ mechanism to significantly
increase inhibition. Importantly, this
process was amplified by abnormalities
that are already linked to absence
seizures (e.g. defective processes that
usually ‘mop up’ GABA once it has
acted), but it was also highly sensitive to
drugs that selectively target eGABA
AAs.
SIGNIFICANCE
These findings suggest that abnormal
enhancement of a spill-over mechanism
involving eGABA
AAs may render
thalamocortical networks more susceptible
to absence seizure generation. They
also highlight a potential drug target
that in the future could treat absence
seizures more effectively.
Dr Herd commented, “The funding
provided by ERUK was invaluable in
allowing us to further explore the
contribution of abnormal inhibitory
mechanisms during absence seizure
generation. We now plan to use our
close links with the pharmaceutical
industry to identify and develop new
molecules that, by selectively reducing
the abnormally amplified inhibitory signal,
may provide new drug strategies to
improve the clinical outcome of patients
who are resistant to, or poorly tolerate
existing anti-absence medications.”
RESEARCHERS SHARE
THEIR PERSONAL
PERSPECTIVES ON HOW
RESEARCH FUNDED BY
EPILEPSY RESEARCH UK
CAN BENEFIT PEOPLE
WITH EPILEPSY
Learning
g and
memory
y in temporal
lobe epilepsy
Professor Liam Gray,
at Cardiff University
tells us how early
funding support
from ERUK has led
to clinical trials for
a potential new drug treatment
to improve memory function for
people with temporal lobe epilepsy.
Learning and memory dysfunction
associated with epilepsy is a significant
burden on both patients and their
carers. Yet because of a lack of research,
its biology is poorly understood and
there are therefore no drug treatments
available for it.
A major advance in our understanding of
the neurobiology of learning and memory
has been the realisation that new nerve
cells are produced in the temporal lobe
of the human brain throughout adulthood,
and that these are particularly important
for learning and memory. With ERUK
funding initially via a research fellowship,
my group has shown that this process
goes awry in temporal lobe epilepsy
(TLE) – with a significant reduction in
the production of new nerve cells and
abnormal connectivity in the ones that
are produced. This discovery paved
the way for significant funding from the
Engineering and Physical Sciences
Research Council (EPSRC), to develop
a 3D model of human brain stem cells
and explore the finding experimentally.
A further award from ERUK then allowed
us to show that the reduction in nerve
production associated with TLE can be
reversed using a commonly available
and safe drug. We are now starting to
test this in clinical trials.
It is possible that this, and allied drugs,
will be used to improve learning and
memory in people with epilepsy in the
next 3-5 years.
Genetic and
Autoimmune
Causes of
Childhood Epilepsy
Dr Sameer Zuberi, at the Royal Hospital
for Sick Children in Glasgow looks at
the potential patient benefit of an
ERUK-funded research study he is
leading to improve the diagnosis
and treatment of childhood epilepsy.
Epilepsy Research UK has funded a
3-year study in Scotland to look at how
new genetic testing technologies can
improve our diagnosis and treatment
of epilepsy. In this – the first such study
worldwide – all children in Scotland who
present with new onset epilepsy under
the age of 3 years, who do not have a
condition known to cause epilepsy, will
be tested for an extensive panel of genes
and for antibodies that are associated
with epilepsy, using one blood sample.
These antibodies are produced by the
body’s immune system and, like gene
changes, are increasingly being
recognised as potentially treatable
causes of epileptic seizures.
ERUK is committed to supporting team
work and collaboration in research to
improve epilepsy care, and this study
certainly honours that commitment.
All 21 centres in Scotland where children
transforming lives through research
ERUK Focus Newsletter Spring 2015 6pp-LP.indd 4
with epilepsy are seen for their first seizure
are participating in the study through their
links to the Scottish Paediatric Epilepsy
Managed Clinical Network. The gene
testing will be done in Glasgow, and the
immune testing will be performed by a
team at the University of Oxford.
We expect this work to tell us how common
these genetic and immune epilepsies
are on a whole population basis, and
we also hope that it will help us to make
early diagnoses, avoid unnecessary
investigations and ensure prompt,
appropriate treatment. By asking parents
and doctors to complete surveys at the
diagnosis and a year later, we will also
increase our understanding of the concerns
people have about genetic and antibody
testing, and how physicians feel about
diagnosing epilepsy in these ways.
“ERUK has funded
a study that has
successfully brought
together every
paediatric centre
in Scotland to improve the care
of children with epilepsy. “
In the Researcher Testimonial section
on our website Dr Zuberi talks about
how epilepsy in young children with
different genetic causes, which require
different treatments, can have very
similar presentations.
Reporting problems
linked to brandswitching of antiepileptic drugs
The Medicines and Healthcare
Regulation Authority (MHRA) is actively
encouraging people to report via their
Yellow Card Scheme any adverse
effects they experience when they
switch between different versions of an
anti-epileptic drug (AED). This comes
in response to an initiative by Epilepsy
Action and Epilepsy Society for the
potential problems of drug switching
to be recognised.
If you have experienced adverse effects
that may be linked to AED switching
– such as new types of seizure, a
worsening of seizures or an increase
in seizure frequency – please report
them to the MHRA as soon as possible.
Make sure you name the manufacturers
that produced both the original and
‘switched’ versions. You can report a
side effect to the Yellow Card Scheme:
• online at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk
• by calling the Yellow Card freephone
on 0808 100 3352
• on a Yellow Card form at your
pharmacy or GP surgery
Page 2
10/03/2015 14:33
Once again we’re looking forward
to some great fundraising activity
on Purple Day and during National
Epilepsy Week. So we thought we’d
bring you up to date with our plans.
Purple Day, 26 March
For Purple Day (the international epilepsy
awareness day) we’ve been asking all our
supporters to ‘do something purple’ and then
send in their photos. If you would like some
ideas then please
see our website or
contact the office
for a Purple Day
fundraising pack. We
in turn will be baking
purple cakes and
arranging collections
at local supermarkets.
We will let you
know how it all
Lorraine Hughes-Gage’s goes on Facebook
Purple Day collection
and Twitter.
National Epilepsy Week,
17-23 May 2015
Following on from the success of last year, we
will continue with our theme of ‘Transforming
Lives Through Research’ for National Epilepsy
Week which runs from Sunday 17 May until
Saturday 23 May. Once again we will be
hosting a tea party for local supporters,
helping to bring the local community together,
spreading awareness and understanding of
epilepsy and of course, raising money into
the bargain. Look out for pictures of the event
on Facebook!
Why not join us and
host your own tea
party – it’s easy to
do and is great fun.
If you’d like to see
how to go about it
you can download
Tea party for National
our handy guide and
Epilepsy Week
publicity poster from
our website and you’ll soon have your own
afternoon tea underway. Or maybe you’d
prefer to do something else? In which case
call 020 747 5024 or email [email protected]
for a full National Epilepsy Week fundraising
pack which includes a host of other ideas,
as well as the afternoon tea guide.
Please continue to help us to raise money
for research into this condition as it affects so
many people; and it is only through research
that we will see real benefits to those living
with epilepsy.
And of course, do continue to send us
your photos or post pictures of your
Purple Day and National Epilepsy Week
activities on our Facebook wall, and tweet
us @EpilepsyRUK. We love to hear from
you – your support is vital to the work
that we do.
GIVING YOUR TIME
CHEERING TEAMS AT RUNNING EVENTS
“We love going and wouldn’t miss it now. We love
the atmosphere, love catching up with the ERUK
staff, and most of all love supporting the awesome
runners. It’s not something we could do and we
think it’s amazing that they do something so
selfless – they deserve support!” Joyce and
Kenny Meads
“As a fundraiser myself I know it is hard work and
that you put a lot of yourself into it. I felt the least I
could do was show my support to fellow fundraisers
and help to show that people are aware of their achievements and are
proud of what they are doing. It was a fantastic day being with the ERUK
staff and other supporters to cheer on the runners and meeting some
of the runners after the event to learn why they support the charity.
I would highly recommend it!” Lianne Alton
We’re looking for cheering teams across the UK to support our
fantastic running teams! If you think you would be able to give some
time and support in this way, please email [email protected] or call
020 8747 5024 or see the Get Involved section of the website to
find out more about the dates.
MARSHALS FOR THE GREAT
YORKSHIRE BIKE RIDE
We have been nominated as a beneficiary of the Great Yorkshire
Bike Ride once more and are looking for marshals on Saturday 6
June! The route goes from Wetherby to Filey – if you’re in the West
or North Yorkshire area and would be able to give up some of your
time to help us out on this fantastic event, please get in touch
with [email protected] or call 020 8747 5024.
Rob and I, sometimes helped by grandson Jake, have
been marshalling the GYBR for a few years now. We
stand at the junction of a road or a point on a roundabout
and make sure that the cyclists go the right way. There
is a lot of joviality and the vast majority of the cyclists
say ‘thank you’ and we have a very brief giggle with
them. I know that ERUK are looking for more marshals for this event.
All I can say is, ‘Just do it, it’s great fun!’ Eve Scott
SUPERMARKET AND OTHER COLLECTIONS
“Collecting money from the supermarkets was
a lovely experience as many people had their
own story to tell and so many gave generously.”
Philippa Miller
“I was amazed at how many people came up
to us to say they or someone in their family
had epilepsy.” Lorraine Hughes-Gage
If you can spare some time for Epilepsy Research UK, booking a
supermarket collection at a store local to you is a very effective way
of fundraising. To arrange a supermarket collection for ERUK, contact
the manager of your local store to book your date and let us know
where and when you will be collecting. We’ll provide you with a letter
of authority, collecting tins and all you need for the day. You may
even be lucky and get a date in National Epilepsy Week!
You can also approach local businesses or organisations where you
are known – shops, pubs, schools, garden centres, place of worship,
clubs etc – to see if they would place a collecting tin on their counter/
bar/reception desk or hold a collection for ERUK.
Please contact Jo or Shona at the office for further information
or to request your collecting tins.
transforming lives through research
ERUK Focus Newsletter Spring 2015 6pp-LP.indd 5
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10/03/2015 14:33
FOCUS ON FUNDRAISERS
Philippa Miller tells us how
the loss of her best friend
Lara inspired her to fundraise
for Epilepsy Research UK.
“I lost my best friend Lara Weston
to epilepsy in June 2014 just after
her 22nd birthday. She had epilepsy
from an early age and for the last
13 years of her life she had suffered
from uncontrollable seizures. I felt
a small part of her frustration as
her condition did impact her life in
negative ways. She had been given
the option of surgery to try and
control the seizures but it was likely
that she would lose 50 percent of her
vision and the guarantee of seizure
freedom was not very high. She had
celebrated her 22nd birthday a week
before she passed away, which I
can gladly say we did in style!
I knew that early death was always
a risk with Lara but I never thought
she would be a statistic. As a way of
dealing with my grief I wanted to help
raise money for epilepsy research.
There is so much that is not known
about epilepsy and there is not that
much funding available for areas of
research that need to be investigated.
The idea of bungee
jumping was to do
a crazy thing that
would make people
want to donate.
I decided to jump
dressed as a minion
as they were the
characters that Lara
loved and I could
imagine her cringing
at the thought of me painted bright
yellow and looking ridiculous in public!
Collecting money from the
supermarkets was a lovely experience
as many people had their own story
to tell and so many gave generously.
It was sad that so many people
commented on how they never saw
fundraising for epilepsy research
and it has increased my drive in
raising more money.
Fundraising for research has
helped me through my grief and given
me a positive focus. I know research
is a long way off from curing epilepsy
but I want research to be able to
give people like Lara more options
to treat and deal with their condition.”
We are so grateful to Philippa,
and to all her and Lara’s family and
friends, for raising over £1,300 from
her bungee jump and supermarket
collections.
Lizzy Davies recently completed
The Big Chill Swim and talks
about the experience.
“The Big Chill
Swim is an
annual event
in Windermere,
which sees
a variety of
people jumping
into icy water
in only their
swimwear! My husband Will, friend
Sarah and I competed in the team
relay, swimming 120m between us
in just our skimpy bikinis and shorts.
Two and a half years ago, our son
began having seizures, which at the
time appeared to be simple febrile
seizures. However, the frequency
increased over time, and in May 2013
he had 12 seizures over a two-week
period. He was referred to the most
amazing consultant, Dr El-Moasseb at
Grimsby hospital, who started him on
Epilim to control his seizures. We have
been very fortunate to avoid any nasty
side effects, and apart from the odd
blip when he is ill, Eddie is now seizurefree and having a relatively normal
childhood. We are very aware that not
every child is as lucky as Eddie has
been, and hope that with research,
more can be learnt about the complex
range of conditions under the heading
of epilepsy to enable other families to
see the light at the end of the tunnel.
We drove through the snow and ice
early to arrive in the breathtakingly
beautiful Lake District full of
anticipation, and after a last huddle in
the warm starters tent, it was our turn
to head out onto the pontoons. Will
went first, doing two lengths, followed
by Sarah and with Lizzy finishing up.
We were lucky enough to have the
best supporters going, all in penguin
suits raising awareness of this great
cause. Eddie brought his Nanny
Batman and his best friend Reuben
(Sarah’s son) along.
In the course of our fundraising,
we have encountered several people
who are affected by epilepsy, either
themselves, family members or close
friends. It has been nice to talk about
something which is almost taboo, and
lots of people have been pleased to
help with our cause.”
Our thanks go to Sarah, Will and
Lizzy, and their ‘penguin’ support team
for braving the cold and raising over
£1,500 for research.
Lorraine Hughes-Gage dedicated 2014,
her 60th year, to raise money for
research in memory of her daughter,
Lucy Jane Brooks. Here she recalls
some of the highlights of her year.
“Lucy was a
charismatic
person whose
lust for life
charmed all
those who
met her and
made her many, many friends. Lucy was
always positive and never let her epilepsy
get in the way of her ambitions and living
life to the full. I decided that for my 60th
year, I would hold and take part in six
events, one for each decade, to raise
money for research in Lucy’s memory.
My first event was on Purple Day in
March. Looking particularly lovely, my
friend and I dressed in purple clothes
topped off with long purple wigs and
stood in a branch of Waitrose shaking
our collecting tins (see photo on p3
3).
It was amazing how many people of all
ages came up to us and chatted about
themselves or someone they knew who
suffered from epilepsy. We followed this
with a bric-a-brac tea and coffee morning
in May for National Epilepsy Week.
In June we had two great outdoor
challenges with family and friends. On
the Pennine Way we battled with wind
and rain, climbed over fallen jagged rocks
that had blocked our path and alongside
a sheer waterfall. I do not think any of us
realised what we had taken on! Next, the
London to Brighton Bike ride. It was great
fun even when we reached the gruelling
Ditchling Beacon!
The final and biggest
event of our year was
a Charity Ball, held
on 20th September.
It was not only a
fantastic evening but
it was also a great success financially.
2014 was an eventful year and one I will
not forget. I have had some humbling and
memorable moments. At times it has been
a hard slog, but thanks to the support of
a few companies and the generosity and
enthusiasm of my family and friends,
I am thrilled we raised over £11,000.
All the support and encouragement has
given me the drive to carry on fundraising.
Epilepsy Research has given me back
a purpose in my life, and I am now busy
planning some new event for 2015!”
Our thanks go to Lorraine, her family
and friends for such inspirational support.
See the FOCUS ON FUNDRAISERS section on our website to read more about these
and other supporters’ fundraising activities.
transforming lives through research
ERUK Focus Newsletter Spring 2015 6pp-LP.indd 6
Page 4
10/03/2015 14:33
Fundraisers in action
CHARITY AT CHRISTMAS
DANCE FOR LIFE Many thanks to Rachel
Coffey; Chris, Geoff and Anna Mayne; Paul
Hancock and all who joined them at the
wonderful Dance for Life in memory of Zoë
Mayne. A special evening of music, dance and
laughter, with a fantastic auction and raffle,
and over £7,000 raised for the Zoë Mayne
Memorial Fund to support our research.
Christmas Jumper Day,
Teynham Depot,
Fowler Welch
Christmas Jumper Day,
Legal Services,
Plymouth City Council
Shepperton
Christmas Fair
Brenda Horne,
Brill Christmas Fair
SHELDON BOSLEY SURVEYORS
Sheldon Bosley supported us with their
Human Fruit Machine at a Victorian Evening,
and raised over £2,000 from their James
Bond themed Christmas Quiz Night in
Stratford-upon-Avon.
AMARA STAFF SALE Amara generously supported the Edward
Bird Memorial Fund with the proceeds of their staff sale contributing
over £1,480 to our research.
NANCY AND JOHN BETTELLEY Nancy
and John Bettelley had another successful year of
fundraising including a coffee morning for National
Epilepsy Week, lunches, a toy sale and a bridge
day, raising over £7,000 in 2014 with the support
of their daughter Nicole and friends in and around
Blackheath, for the Andrew Bettelley Memorial Fund.
AMELIA TONG MEMORIAL FUND
Lisa and Ashley Tong have been
fundraising tirelessly for their daugher
Amelia’s memorial fund since last April.
With generous support from family,
friends and the local Waterlooville
community, a sponsored walk and the hugely successful Catherington
Christmas Fayre they have raised over £12,000 for research in
Amelia’s memory.
CHRISTMAS CARD SALES
Many thanks to all who supported our research by
buying our Christmas cards (or making a donation
in lieu), organising sales of Christmas cards, and
volunteering in the Cards for Good Causes and other
charity Christmas card shops around the country.
If you would like to join our team of card shop
volunteers next Christmas, or know of a charity card
shop we could approach to stock our cards, please
get in touch with Shona, [email protected].
THE MEZZETTI FAMILY AND
FRIENDS John and Lynne Mezzetti,
together with family and friends in North
Norfolk, have had another energetic
fundraising year, with sporting endeavours
(including beach running, tai chi, boxing
and a versaclimber Everest challenge),
cake and Christmas sales, and a sparkling Summer Ball, raising over
£16,000 for their daughter Ellen’s memorial fund.
NE’ER DAY DIP Jill and Kevin
Graham, supported by family and
friends, continue to actively fundraise
for their son Andrew’s memorial fund
raising over £7,000 in 2014 from
events including their annual 10K
family walk and triathlon, and the Lochgoilhead ‘Go Active’ Ne’er Day Dip.
CHARLTON CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Every year since losing her father to epilepsy,
Michaela Swadling-Stickler has put on a huge
Christmas lights display to raise money for
Epilepsy Research UK to honour her Dad’s
memory. Her fantastic festive display, made
up of 100,000 lights, attracts visitors from
near and far, inspiring an extraordinary £21,425 in donations this year!
WHITLEY BAY GOLF CLUB Thank you to Whitley
Bay Golf Club Ladies Section for a donation of £1,350
following Christine Latimer’s year as Lady Captain.
Thank you to all for such generous support.
transforming lives through research
ERUK Focus Newsletter Spring 2015 6pp-LP.indd 1
My son
has epilepsy.
I’d like to help,
in a small way, to
fund research.”
Sue Erskine
Our scientific advisory committee will soon
be making its research funding decisions for
2015. You can help us now to fund even more
promising research in the future by making a
regular monthly gift to Epilepsy Research UK.
If you would like to make a regular – or single
– gift, please complete the donation form
enclosed or donate online at www.epilepsy
research.org.uk/support-us/sayyes/. Thank you.
Thank you to all our supporters for your
generous donations in recent months.
New memorial funds have been set up for: Ethan
Carter, Garrett R Goodpaster, Donald Jones
Bequests have been received from: Mr James Gill,
Mrs Elsie Henshall, Mrs Joan Moon, Mrs Estella
Newsome, Mr B Strike, Miss Moira Williams.
Our thanks go to all who have chosen to
remember their loved ones by supporting
our research.
Page 5
10/03/2015 14:33
SPORTING EVENTS
Thank you to all our wonderful sporting fundraisers! We couldn’t fund
our research without your support and are hugely grateful to you
and all your sponsors for giving so generously of your time, effort
and money. Here are some of our supporters in action recently.
From left to right from top: Dilraj Sokhi and friends, Longonot Hike, Kenya; Emma Scott,
Snowdonia Marathon; Nicky Nobbs, parachute jump; Nina Collins with family and friends,
Big Fun Run; Eve and Rob Scott, Mount Kilimanjaro summit climb; Pete Skarparis and
friends, Big Fun Run; Thomas Windus, London Triathlon; Sophie Bulmer, Royal Parks
Half Marathon; Sarah O’Neill, Belfast Half Marathon; Ian Lashmar, Bournemouth Marathon;
Chloe Forman, Royal Parks Half Marathon.
GREAT YORKSHIRE
Y
BIKE RIDE
We are delighted to have received
over £11,000 from the Great
Yorkshire Bike Ride 2014.
Our thanks to John Taylorson MBE for
organising the event and nominating
Epilepsy Research UK as a beneficiary,
and to all who took part and helped
as volunteer marshals. To enter the
2015 ride, visit www.gybr.co.uk.
SPORTING & CHALLENGE EVENTS IN 2015
We have guaranteed entry into the following events: Great Manchester
Run, Bupa London 10,000, Prudential Ride London Surrey, British 10K
London Run plus many more, and a variety of exciting challenge
events to choose from.
See our website for all details or contact [email protected] to register your interest!
Keith Wisdom, long-standing
supporter of the Ellen Mezzetti
Memorial Fund, tells us about
his latest sporting adventure!
“Last year whilst watching my good
friend Fred Corbett train for his
Everest Base Camp Adventure,
I came up
with the idea
of trying to
emulate the
height of
Everest on a
Versaclimber.
Although it had been done before
by much younger and fitter people
than myself it is still quite a unique
challenge: from sea level to the
top, a height of 29,029 feet.
The trick when you know you are
taking on a big fitness challenge is
to build up steadily so you achieve
little goals along the way and most
important of all avoid injuries. 10
months to get ready. Before I knew
it I had only a few weeks to go
before the big event. Although I had
trained hard all through the year I
had not got near the summit height
so I made it a goal to get to 19,000
feet and then brave out the next
two hours to get to the top.
7:15 am, 15th November 2014,
there we were outside Morrisons
in Cromer setting up the machine,
ERUK banners, flags, balloons and
my chart with a little action figure
dressed in green climbing up a
long Velcro strip to the top.
8:10 am, and getting on with it
at last. Each time I got to another
1,000 feet my supporters would give
a cheer. The staff at Morrisons and
their customers were fantastic and
money soon started to fill the money
pots. 19,000 feet came and went
and although it was beginning to
hurt a lot, it was also fun.
29,000 feet. A countdown for
the last 29 feet. Total joy, I did it.
Champagne, photos, press interview
and party poppers. Two flags now
proudly stick out of the top of the
Versaclimber, a small union jack
and an Epilepsy Research UK flag.
Thank you to John Mezzetti,
my wife, friends and everyone
who made this so special for me.
I could not have done this on my
own. If you want to have a go at a
challenge, do it, be it big or small
and do it for Epilepsy Research UK.
I am now thinking about the next
challenge whatever that will be.”
We are so grateful to Keith and
all his supporters for fundraising
for us again and are delighted to
have received over £1,900 from
this event – thank you so much!
PO Box 3004, London W4 4XT T: 020 8747 5024 E: [email protected]
W: www.epilepsyresearch.org.uk • Registered charity number: 1100394
Designed and printed by Eclipse Creative Ltd: 01252 517341 www.eclipse-creative.co.uk
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