“If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon.” Boy how true is that! The news is filled with horror stories and I often wonder what kind of world Noah has been born in to, but if you are losing faith head out and watch the inspirational people who run. So on Sunday 24th April that was exactly what we did. Our Hero
As I said everyone who runs a marathon is inspirational, and having completed London three times between us myself and Chris are well aware of the dedication, hard work, sweat and tears that go into training for it. Today, for me, was all about Alex. As you all know I have mentioned her lots in the blog and she ran her first Marathon yesterday. Alex was running in memory of Ollie, he passed away aged just 19 following a seizure. It was an emotional day all round. Whilst talking to Ollies Mum she said to me – no one ever told me you could die from epilepsy, how awful is it that they never knew!! Alexs aim with her fundraising is to raise awareness and hopefully stop anyone else going through what Ollies loved ones have been through and continue to do so. Now for the funny part – Alex hates running, and I cant say training for this has changed her mind one bit. On top of that she has been really suffering in recent weeks from vertigo so it has not been easy. So we used a tried and tested route to watch, Myself, Chris, Alexs Mum and partner and her friends Bryn and Fran were there: She had an awesome support team. We first stopped at 8.5 miles (Surrey Quays) here I was lucky to see another friend, I apologise Paul for screaming at you like a mad woman but I know how much of a boost it is seeing someone you know. Then along came Alex who looked amazing. Not a hair out of place and her sunflower headband looked gorgeous and made it easy for us to spot her coming. Fran had made her a brilliant banner that was bright yellow and easy for her to spot us. Once she moved on we headed to mile 14 (Westferry) and met up with Ollies Mum and her husband. By now we were all in good spirits and Alex came through looking really strong, time for quick cuddles, jelly babies and she was off again. For us it was then across the road to just past 20 miles. This for me was a complete thrill to see her, to know that she had less than 10K to go had me bursting with pride. It was also the point my sister came out along with my mum and Noah. However Noah slept through Auntie Alex coming through! Then our final stop was just under 600m from the finish, here I turned into an over enthusiastic spectator. I know some of the runners were looking at me like please just shut up but it is such an achievement to finish and I was overjoyed for them all. Alex wizzed past us at this stage, no stopping, the next time we were to see her she was a marathoner! Epilepsy Action We had agreed to meet Alex at the Epilepsy Action tent. It was brilliant to see the team, and for me chance for a quick catch up with the guys who I hadn’t seen for a while. Epilepsy Action had 45 runners and the team waited for every single one of them to finish. I have to say Epilepsy Action is an amazing charity to run for, the support they give their runners is outstanding and an example other charities could follow. Thank you guys and well done for making the end a special experience. And there she was our Marathoner! There were lots of tears and the champagne was cracked open. I can’t tell you how proud I am of her, sat here writing this I have a lump in my throat. The three of us (four including Patch) love her very very much and we are so blessed to have her in our lives. I am thrilled that Noah has someone so inspirational to look up to. All the months of hard work and dedication had paid off and she still looked fantastic. We then headed for a celebratory meal before she headed home to bed for a well-deserved rest. Had Ollie not passed away it is unlikely this beautiful, kind, caring and amazing woman would be part of my life, I won’t lie I don’t want to give her up for anything, but I would for Alex and the Scott-Greenards to never have lost Ollie and go through the grief of losing a son, boyfriend, brother, Grandson, Nephew… I obviously never got to meet Ollie but Alex has shared so much with me I feel like I know him. A young man always referred to as a gentleman, a young man with the whole world in front of him, all cut devastatingly short. Through Ollies Fund Alexs fundraising ensures that his memory lives on and does a huge amount of good for those living with epilepsy. From somebody who has epilepsy I want to thank you for that. Alexs running the marathon has taken Ollies Fund over the £30,000 mark, if you would like to add to that you can do so here: http://oliver.scott-greenard.muchloved.com/ Young Epilepsy As you all know I have been heavily involved in fundraising for Young Epilepsy this year. I have watched James and the team cheer the guys through the marathon and their presence on the day was phenomenal. They have raised an extraordinary amount and all finished smiling. So well done to you all. I could go on for pages about being in awe of all the runners but I think the pictures do the day justice more than I ever could. Congratulations to all finishers you are all incredible. A final note, the marathon is a tough challenge and we were reminded of this by the tragic passing of Army Captain David Seath after collapsing 3.2 miles from the finish line. If you wish to donate to his chosen charity (Help4Heros) you can do so here: https://www.justgiving.com/H4HeroDavidSeath My thoughts and prayers with Davids loved ones at this difficult time. “A marathon is an event where everyone is equal and ordinary at the starting line and a legend is born at the finish line.” Contact me: Twitter: @fairyfaye1986 Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/739520702798749/
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AuthorMy names Faye, mostly known for being a tea addict, swimmer and now Paralegal and part time student. I'm 36, married and I had my 1st (and only) child in June 2015. Oh and I also happen to have epilepsy. This is my story of Pregnancy, Motherhood & Epilepsy and the voice I have become for those with epilepsy. Archives
December 2022
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