After the traumatic experience of her daughter’s epilepsy diagnosis, Sam signed up for the Manchester Marathon to give herself a new focus.
In this account, she talks of how she found resilience through the challenge, community and support through Young Epilepsy, along with a renewed sense of purpose as a parent and advocate. Her father also joined her for the marathon, and together they raised over £3,000.
Sam was searching for more than just a physical challenge when she laced up her trainers for the Manchester Marathon. It had been a long and difficult diagnosis for her daughter, Pippa, and Sam says she needed “something to help get me through”.
As a family, we were struggling. We weren't sleeping at all but we were still trying to do everything we had to do everyday, go to work and obviously deal with the new situation.
I was trying to be that supportive parent, but I was breaking down away from Pippa. And I thought, right, if I can do this run, I can also raise money for Young Epilepsy as well. That's where it started.
Running had once been part of Sam’s life, but like many parents, she’d put her own interests aside to support her children’s activities. Then, Pippa’s epilepsy journey began. It was with subtle signs at first - confusion, vomiting, and visual disturbances - following a minor head injury at netball practice.
She came out of practice upset, which was out of character. That night she wouldn’t settle, and then she vomited and was completely out of it.
A diagnosis that changed everything
Initially, doctors dismissed the symptoms as concussion or a viral infection. But Sam knew something wasn’t right.
School was ringing me every day. She was seeing colours, words moving, things going bigger and smaller. I just kept thinking: this isn’t normal.
Three weeks later, Sam received a call from school: Pippa was having a seizure.
I just went to pieces. I thought the worst: a bleed on the brain or something serious.
After a second seizure at home during the night - one that lasted dangerously long - paramedics intervened.
She was choking on her own vomit. They gave her oxygen and suction. I believe we might have lost her if I hadn’t heard her.
It was quite a blur, that period. But I do feel fortunate that she had a quick diagnosis. I know for many families it can take months.
Support that made a difference
Navigating epilepsy was overwhelming.
I googled everything. But it was just horror stories. I didn’t know where to turn.
It was Pippa’s epilepsy team who pointed Sam toward Young Epilepsy.
They said if you’re going to read anything, read it from the right places. They gave me a couple of websites. Young Epilepsy was one of them.
The charity’s resources helped Sam explain the diagnosis to Pippa and gave her tools to advocate for herself at school.
Pippa delivered a presentation with her teachers using information from the website. Her friends were really supportive, although she did experience some bullying, which the school addressed.
Signing up for the marathon - initially in secret - gave Sam a sense of focus.
I applied for the London Marathon through Young Epilepsy, but didn’t get a place. They offered me Manchester or Brighton. I chose Manchester. I thought it was flatter and I’d be less likely to come last!
Her father, who hadn’t run in years, quietly began training too.
He said he had no chance! But then he contacted Young Epilepsy and signed up. We did it together.
Young Epilepsy also provided emotional support.
Hannah from the charity was amazing. Her emails were personal, always asking how Pippa was, how my training was going. She sent little goody packs with cards and chocolate bars. It meant a lot.
Crossing the Finish Line
The marathon was, says Sam, “the most emotional event I’ve ever taken part in” - with her family coming out in force to encourage her.
Pippa and her brother Alfie were there. They’re both sporty, and I could see they were proud. I’m always there for them but that day, they were there for me.
It was the hottest day, she says, but at mile 24, Sam knew she’d make it.
The atmosphere was just incredible. Even if I walked the rest of it, I’d done it! Then I saw Pippa pushing through the runners to me. She hugged me and ran across the finish line with me. That’s why I did it - to show her she can do anything.
Sam and her dad raised over £3,000 for the charity.
I’m just grateful we could give something back. If it helps another family feel less alone, it’s worth it.
Looking ahead
Today, Pippa is seizure-free and managing her medication independently.
She’s very well medically controlled. We’re strict about bedtime and routines. She’s learning to take responsibility for her condition.
Sam continues to advocate for awareness - especially around SUDEP, which she discovered through her own research.
In one way, I wish I hadn’t read about it - but I’m glad I did. It’s not something her epilepsy team ever discussed. I just want to do everything I can to keep her safe.
Her tips to other families?
Be kind to yourself. Let your child have a voice. Educate yourself, but from the right places. Young Epilepsy gave us that. They helped us see there is light at the end of the tunnel.
