Sophie Doughty

100 Miles in October - For Isla 💜

I’m taking on the 100 Miles in October challenge for Young Epilepsy, walking, jogging, running (and quite possibly crawling ☺️) my way to the finish, to raise money and awareness for epilepsy.

Isla is six years old and was diagnosed with epilepsy in April this year, after having seizures for around 15 months.

Her seizures mainly happen at night, and despite repeated increases in medication, she is sadly still having them. We are currently trying different medication and doses in the hope of finally getting them under control. More than anything, I am praying for the day Isla can be seizure free.

It has been a really difficult journey. Initially, her seizures were diagnosed as “night terrors”, but something in my gut told me they weren’t. I knew my daughter, and I knew something wasn’t right. I had to keep pushing, asking questions and fighting to be heard before we finally got the diagnosis.

Because Isla’s seizures happen at night, sleep has become something we can’t take for granted. For almost two years, I’ve slept lightly, listening out for her and waking at the slightest noise, never quite knowing what the night might bring.

And all of this began just a few months after I lost my mum.
I’ve needed her more than ever, for her to tell me that everything will be ok, and not having her here through this has been incredibly hard.

But through all of this, Isla has been incredible.
She is the bravest, strongest little girl.

There are other members of our family with epilepsy who live happy, normal and fulfilling lives, and that gives me hope for Isla’s future. Epilepsy may be part of her story, but it will never define who she is.

So I’m taking on this challenge of 100 miles for my girl. For every seizure, every sleepless night, every time we’ve had to fight to be heard, and for every other child, adult and family affected by epilepsy.

100 miles might sound like a long way, but when I think about everything Isla has already been through, putting one foot in front of the other feels like the least I can do for her.

If you can donate, share my fundraiser, or simply help me spread the word, I would be incredibly grateful.

This one is for Isla 💜
#TeamPossible