2:54pm Thursday 19th February 2009
By Tanya O'Rourke
People from all walks of life will be taking part in the second annual Bradford 10K run in aid of Epilepsy Action this year.
In the same way, the condition knows no boundaries of class, race or age.
Katie Cook, 35, of Pullan Avenue, Eccleshill, had never run before taking part in last year's race, but said she would run the Bradford 10K every year because the charity is close to her heart.
She said: "My husband David had epilepsy from when he was ten years old.
"He was seriously injured when he was knocked down as a child and the epilepsy resulted from that."
Mr Cook died in October 2007 from a heart attack caused by his condition, aged just 34.
Mrs Cook said: "I was with him for 15 years and the epilepsy gradually got worse.
"We were on holiday in Portugal when he had a heart attack and died really suddenly, a day after our son Joseph's first birthday. I didn't know how it could affect your heart, it was a huge shock."
She said when she saw adverts for last year's 10K run she felt she wanted to race in her husband's memory. She said: "It is a charity close to my heart. I'm going to do it every year now."
Last year Mrs Cook raised more than £300 for the charity.
She said: "It's very important to raise money to fund research for better drugs and to support families. Without people doing runs like this they wouldn't have the money to carry on."
This year's run on Sunday, March 29, has been organised by Epilepsy Action which has its head office in Yeadon. It is supported by the Telegraph & Argus, Bradford Council's Bactive campaign and the Airedale Athletics squad.
The run will cost £15 to enter, or £13 for those affiliated to a UK athletics club.
Organisers say because the route mainly covers flat ground it will be a fast race and ideal for elite runners and first-timers alike. The free Epilepsy Action helpline on 0808 8005050 is available Monday to Thursday from 9am to 4.30pm and 9am to 4pm on Fridays.
To enter, complete the form below or go to Epilepsy Action's website. To help with marshalling, visit epilepsy. org.
uk/involved/bradford10k. html or call (0113) 210 8800.
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