A local mum was set to run the London Marathon this Sunday (26/3), and has since decided that lockdown won't stop her from completing the challenge.
Glynis Wiles is running the marathon distance of 26.2 miles in ten 2.6 mile runs, using her daily exercise allowance for the ten days leading up to the marathon date. On the day itself, Glynis will be joined by her son Alex (11), who has epilepsy, and husband Justin, to complete 26 other activities.
The family is joining others all over the UK taking part in the 2.6 Challenge. This is a nationwide virtual challenge taking place on what would have been the date of this year’s London Marathon. Over the course of their busy Sunday, the family will take part in challenges from 26 star jumps, to running up and down the stairs 26 times.
They will even take on a sweet task, trying to fit as many chocolate buttons in their mouths as they can in 26 seconds. They are gathering sponsorship for their activities, with all money going to charity Epilepsy Action.
Glynis is a teacher at Giffard Park Primary School. The headteacher at this school, Emma Donoghue, was set to run the London Marathon alongside Glynis. Emma is also taking part in the 2.6 Challenge.
Glynis’ son Alex was diagnosed with epilepsy when he was five years old. Glynis said: “We still struggle with Alex’s diagnosis. But we help Alex to understand that, while it is a small part of who he is, it does not define 'who' he is. The last 6 years have been a difficult and very frustrating time for us all.
"We watched for triggers, dealt with seizures and strived to find the right medication to control it. Luckily for us all, he has been seizure free for just over one year now, for which we are all extremely grateful. He is such a brave boy and takes it all in his stride - he always has! I am so proud to be his mummy.
“As a family, we know how much the COVID-19 outbreak is affecting charities. With all events cancelled, we decided to become home heroes to help Epilepsy Action survive this time. Their support has been so valuable to us and to countless other families affected by epilepsy.”
Epilepsy affects around one in every 100 people in the UK and 87 people are diagnosed with the condition every day. Each year, Epilepsy Action directly helps around 2 million people.
The charity is committed to improving the lives of people with epilepsy, by campaigning for better services and raising awareness of the condition. At the moment, the charity’s freephone helpline, 0808 800 5050, is being staffed remotely. It is providing much-needed support to people affected by epilepsy in these challenging times.
People can sponsor Glynis and her family by clicking here.
