My goal has been to run the marathon in aid of epilepsy action since 2016, however I had to defer my place in both 2016 and 2017 because of my epilepsy! But my eye has always been on 2018 since I was allowed back out running in August last year. I started enjoying running at uni and have carried on since then after running the London marathon in 2012. I do very few organised runs but enjoy the freedom and headspace putting on my trainers and just heading out anywhere running gives me... maybe this is why I get lost so much?!
After my time in hospital last year I wasn’t allowed out running or exercising for a while; when leaving hospital in March last year I struggled to even walk to the car, I was amazed at how much the repeated seizures and very little movement over the month had left me so weak! I had to start slow with little walks and when these walks started to get longer (I’m only talking to the shops) my legs would often just buckle... more empathetic physio? ... 100%!
But anyway I was allowed back out in August after increasing my exercise tolerance, gaining some muscle mass and getting to the point where I was fairly “stable”. I loved being able to put on my running trainers, get some fresh air and see some progress.
Since I was allowed back out and with the goal of London my body didn’t want to make the journey nice and easy, I’ve had seizures, bleeds, transfusions, a broken wrist shortly followed by a broken rib, medication changes and the side effects that come with that! Many of those halting my training and a fairly large patch off while I had to try and overcome them to get my epilepsy back on the right path.
But after being held back in 2016 and 2017 from doing the marathon, the drive in me to complete this one completely rose! I’m not going for speed ... this time last year I was struggling to walk to the shops so I couldn’t really care less what time I get as long as I get over that finish line. I expect it to be a struggle especially after the experience in 2012, but I'm hoping the last few years have made me tougher!
I’ve only been able to get to where I am today from the support network I have around me so I’d like to just say thanks to as many as I can (also with some photos, some will say embarrassing 🤷🏻♀️, of the last 12 months)
To those who have to watch and help me from a seizure, spend day after day coming to visit me in hospital; helping me with the most basic tasks, watch me hallucinating and talking complete rubbish in front of you or even just sleep through the whole visit when you’ve driven 3 hours to come and see me (sorry!) or to those who sit with me in the haematology day centre whilst I have transfusions to make it more fun, I can’t thank you all enough!
To the selfless people who take the time out of their own day to donate blood/platelets...it truly is the greatest gift you can give someone. Plus the support I get from the NHS teams ... there’s no healthcare better!!
To the people who have worked tirelessly to get me where I am today when the emotional and mental side effects of the condition and medications started to take their toll, there aren’t even words to describe my thanks! Everyone needs a little help sometimes don’t be ashamed to utilise it!
To those who give me a text, call or come over to give me a boost when my epilepsy or treatment is giving me a rough patch. Never underestimate what a hug off friends or family can do!
For marathon training ... thanks to those whose houses I’ve arrived at on a run and driven me home when my body doesn’t want to play ball anymore, driven to bring me water when I’m 7 miles away from home, come on a run or to a gym class with me or even a long walk to get some fresh air when the doc has put a ban on me running. Or even those who beep or shout out the car when you see me running, it gives me a good boost! Also the massive amount of physio advice to get me over some past seizure injuries... it’s not what you know as they say it’s who you know!
The reason I am running for epilepsy action is to try and raise money for a charity that has massively supported me to allow them to support others when they need it the most. Myself and Jonny really would be very grateful for any sponsorship https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SaraFidler as we understand how vital these donations are to the charity and the people they support.
Last but certainly not least thanks to EVERYONE who has helped and supported me since being diagnosed in 2014 in any way, shape or form, it truly means a lot. I could be writing for days to thank everyone! My one hope is I do you all proud when I take on the London marathon next Sunday!
Sara x