SUDEP Action

Making every epilepsy death count
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June 2017

A place to thank, appreciate and celebrate our fundraisers.

Some of our brilliant supporters had fun in June, remembering their loved ones and raising much needed funds for SUDEP Action. 

It was Skyline’s Tandem World Record Attempt, and four of our brave supporters took on the challenge.

Catherine Shelvey took part along with her sister Patricia Nicholson in memory of Catherine’s daughter Katie Alice Clark. Patricia informed us about her experience: "In the years following Katie's death from SUDEP, I felt I wanted to do something to raise money for the charity that had helped me, as well as raise awareness of SUDEP. That opportunity came nearly six years later, when I received an email offering me the chance to do a sponsored tandem skydive for SUDEP Action. 

This was not an easy choice for me, but with my sister's encouragement and family support we both signed up for it. Five months later, we arrived at Redlands airfield at 8am on a beautiful summer's day. With everyone at the airfield being so friendly and professional, my nervousness soon disappeared and we couldn't wait for our turn to go. The actual jump from the plane was exhilarating, 30 seconds of freefall, followed by a much calmer 3-4 minute descent by parachute. A day neither of us will forget, and I know Katie would be very proud of me too."

Andy Burford braved the jump in memory of Helen Long. He commented: “I've always wanted to do a skydive and when this opportunity came along, it was good to do it to remember my sister-in-law, Helen, and to raise money for SUDEP Action, who have helped my family over the last few years.

On the day, you couldn't have wished for a better day, sunshine and a really clear day. The jump was a fantastic experience. A 30 second freefall, which was the best part in my opinion, and then 4/5 minutes with the parachute. My wife had the opportunity to speak with someone else supporting SUDEP Action and to share their experiences.”

Georgia Dellar took part in memory of her cousin Ellis Powell. Georgia told us: "In June I did a skydive in memory of my beautiful cousin Ellis Powell, who we lost at just 21 to SUDEP. When the opportunity to skydive came about I didn't hesitate, losing Ellis taught me how important it is to live every moment as fully as I can. It was the best thing I've ever experienced and I feel like I've made her proud whilst supporting such an amazing cause."

Rachel Sumaria’s hobby helped to raise funds in memory of her daughter Emily Sumaria. Rachel informed us: “The Bridgettes are a group of friends who have a bridge lesson every week in an effort to keep our brains working! Our teacher donates the tea and biscuits for our well-deserved break and asks that everyone makes a small donation for it each week. She kindly agreed that the chosen charity could be SUDEP Action, thereby raising awareness and a few pounds each term."

A mega team of runners took part in a Colour Obstacle Rush in memory of Luke Clarke. Runner Charnie Roberts informed us: “Running for SUDEP Action was important for us all as a group following the death of Luke Clarke (my stepbrother). We found that even the local doctors and ambulance service had no idea what it was, so we gave them booklets. The day went really well and we got covered in paint my eyebrows even turned pink, we all looked like lush bath bombs. It was a fun experience and I would definitely do it again.”

Thank you and well done to all our June fundraisers. It is really great to hear about your fantastic achievements.

If you have taken part in an event in June and would like to be featured in this blog, then it is not too late. Email [email protected] to let us know what you have been up to.

If you have been inspired by any of the events in this blog or others, email [email protected] or call us on 01235 772850 to let us know how you would like to be involved.

Thank you for helping us with our goals.

The SUDEP Action Team.

Most of our fundraisers are fundraising on behalf of a family member or friend who has died. As we celebrate the success of our fundraisers, we keep in our thoughts their loved one who is no longer with us.