Epileptic Teen’S First Half Marathon
A 17-year-old who suffers from epilepsy will be taking on her first half marathon this September at the Simplyhealth Great North Run.
Katie Lee, from Monk Bretton in Barnsley, is running the 13.1 miles to raise money for the charity who supported her in the early stages of the condition.
Katie said: “When I was six, my family noticed my eyes were flickering and took me to the GP to see what was wrong.
“Soon after being referred to a specialist, I was diagnosed with Petit Mal – or Absence – seizures.
“In 2011, I had surgery to implant a Vagal Nerve Stimulator, which is designed to prevent seizures by sending electric impulses to the brain.”
Epilepsy has had an impact on so many aspects of Katie’s life, including school and her daily routine.
She said: “Every day brings its own challenges; when I was in education, I would regularly have a seizure and miss what the tutors were saying, as my seizure type means I would just stare into space.
“This affects everything I do now, and even crossing a road can cause concern.”
Due to the unpredictable nature of epilepsy, some seizures can have more serious implications.
Katie said: “In September 2013, I suffered from a Grand Mal or Tonic-Clonic seizure.
“I was unconscious and I had stopped breathing,”
She is fundraising for the charity who supported her in the early stages of the condition.
Katie said: “When I was first diagnosed with epilepsy, we received so much help and advice from Epilepsy Action.
“Since then, my family and I have always raised funds for Epilepsy Action to continue helping other people who are affected by epilepsy.”
Katie will be joining thousands of runners at the Simplyhealth Great North Run on Sunday 10 September.
The weekend also includes the Junior and Mini Great North Run, the Great North 5k and the Great North CityGames on the Saturday.
Despite this being her first half marathon, it won’t be her first time at the Great North Run weekend.
She said: “I have taken part in the Junior Great North Run over the past three years, which has given me so much confidence to keep doing more runs.
“Now that I’m old enough to enter the half marathon, the Simplyhealth Great North Run will be my biggest personal challenge yet.”
She added: “I cannot wait to cross the finish line with my parents by my side.
“Epilepsy is a condition and no one change that, however epilepsy does not run my life: I do.”
Support Katie’s fundraising page.
For more information about the Simplyhealth Great North Run, visit our website.
Related Articles
1/11
Reigning team champions return to Birmingham
As winners of last year’s Business Challenge, Solihull School returns to the start line for the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run.
Groundbreaking Joint Venture for Future of Athletics in the UK
UK Athletics (UKA), The Great Run Company (GRC) and London Marathon Events (LME) today announced the creation of a new joint venture, Athletic Ventures.
Doting Brothers Set to Race in Memory of Baby Sister
Two loving brothers from Newcastle-Under-Lyme are limbering up to take on the AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great Birmingham Run in memory of their little sister.
Great Birmingham Run scores a hat-trick!
With a month to go before the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run, the three football clubs are encouraging fans to run for their community foundations.
Arup are up for the challenge on Sunday 5 May
39 runners from engineering giant Arup are taking on the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run Business Challenge.
Taking it in Their Stride in Memory of a Friend
One team of Great Birmingham Run runners is gearing up for a challenge that goes beyond the miles they'll pound on the pavement.
10 Reasons you should run the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run
As we countdown to event day on 5 May, we spell out 10 reasons why you should get involved and (if you haven’t already!) sign up.
Emon’s expert tips for training during Ramadan
A reality TV star who ran back to back marathons while fasting during Ramadan is now aiming to inspire his fellow Muslim runners.
Power of Running: Andrew Porter
Andrew Porter, 47, has ran every Great Manchester Run 10k since it started in 2003. Read Andrew's story.
Power of Running: Halee Robinson
After falling out of love with running Halee signed up for the Great Birmingham Run and hasn't looked back. Read Halee's story.
Power of Running: Helen Ryvar
Helen Ryvar is the Guinness World Record Holder for running the most consecutive half marathons, hitting 111 back in 2021. Read Helen's story.
