Deri’s mother passed away two years ago due to epilepsy. He shares why he has decided to fundraise for Epilepsy Scotland as a way to keep his mum’s memory alive.

Why did you decide to fundraise for Epilepsy Scotland?

My mum had epilepsy and was diagnosed in her 30s. She died two years ago. On New Year’s Eve just out of the blew.

She had seizures every day and they were really bad. They took her into hospital and put her into an induced seizure, as we couldn’t identify what was triggering them.

Then just one day, she had a seizure and then died because of it.

Do you feel that fundraising and taking part in fundraising events, is a way to keep your mum’s memory alive?

Absolutely, because I started running when she passed away and I did a half marathon on her birthday that year. Then I moved to the marathon this year and I am going to do a 110k ultramarathon also.

I feel for me doing this, it helps raise awareness for people that I know, as well anyone, who is struggling with it.

Do you feel that doing these events have helped you cope with your mum’s passing?

Definitely, because I probably would have just turned to drink and drugs and would have done nothing.

I would have just thrown my life away. Getting into my running has been a good distraction.

Why did you decide to run the 110k ultramarathon?

Just because I’ve done a marathon and it was the next step.

I like to do something that pushes the boat out. I just want to challenge myself and do it for a good cause as well. It’s so close to home and it’s like an extra motivation for me.

How would you like your mum to be remembered?

She always tried to see the best in me. Like when nobody else did.

I had a bit of a rough upbringing and I was kind of wrote off. But my mum was always the one that said you’re better than this. I know that you can do this.

I know that you can get a good job. It wasn’t until she died that I started doing the running and the boxing. It something that keeps me going like I am doing it for her.

If you have been affected by anything in Deri’s story, please call our freephone Helpline on 0808 800 2200 or email contact@epilepsyscotland.org.uk

If you would like to fundraise for Epilepsy Scotland, please email us at fundraising@epilepsyscotland.org.uk