A Bingley mum has spoken out about her personal reasons for taking part in the Epilepsy Action Bradford 10k run next month.

Katrina Mills, 36, has been inspired to run as both she and her 15-year-old daughter Sophie, have epilepsy.

Katrina was diagnosed with the condition when she was 17 and has been free of seizures for the past six years. Sophie, however, had her first seizure when she was six months old and still has regular seizures.

She said: “We are both diagnosed with primary generalised epilepsy. Sophie has recently been further diagnosed with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Sophie has myoclonic seizures daily and requires support every morning with medication as she is most likely to seize upon waking up. She also has generalised tonic clonic seizures on a regular basis. How regular these are depends on things like stress or even her hormone levels.”

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Katrina’s mum, Mandy, has been running the Bradford 10k for many years. This year, Mandy has managed to persuade her daughter to put on her running shoes too.

“My mum has cried tears of pain after seeing the injuries that Sophie and I have sustained because of seizures. She has run the Epilepsy Action race for years, but this year, she’s roped me in as well. She even filled out the application form for me!

“I don’t think people understand the pressures that epilepsy puts on everyday life. There’s the constant worry, the injuries, the fatigue and the side-effects from medication. Then there’s the impact on mental health, the knocked confidence and the embarrassment. On top of all of that, there are the practical implications. The memory loss, the missed school days, the days off work, the effects on relationships. And ultimately, there is the fear that the next seizure could be the last one.

“My son, 11, panics every time he hears a bang in the house, worried that his sister has gone down again. He has nursed her injuries, rang ambulances, held her hand and for that I am incredibly proud of his maturity.

“This is my first 10k and I’m feeling very nervous but I’m looking forward to running alongside all the fabulous participants, especially my mum who has been a massive support to me and my daughter.

“If I could tell people one thing about epilepsy, it would be that Epilepsy is not “just seizures”. It affects every aspect of life in ways that people cannot see or at times understand. Be kind. Be patient.”

Katrina and her mum will join over 3,500 runners taking to the streets of Bradford on Sunday, March 15, for the Epilepsy Action Bradford 10k. This year is set to be the biggest race yet.

Since the first race in 2008, more than 15,000 runners have taken part with more than £500,000 raised for the charity.

Starting and finishing in Centenary Square, the fast and flat 10k route is suitable for first-time runners seeking a challenge, as well as more experienced athletes. Places are still available and cost £24 (£22 for members of affiliated running clubs).

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.

For more information about the Epilepsy Action Bradford 10k or to sign up, visit epilepsy.org.uk/bradford or call the events team on 0113 210 8797.

The closing date for entries is Wednesday, March 11, subject to availability.