epilepsysociety.org.uk/fundraise

Events Calendar

2019

From the Fundraising

Team

Why Epilepsy Society? The difference you will make

We are committed to providing a better future for people with epilepsy through our world-leading medical research, assessment, treatment, care and support.

Our work is only made possible by the generosity of people like you who take on incredible challenges and fundraise for us.

As part of Team Purple you’ll receive dedicated support from the fundraising team and all the materials you need to make your event a success.

Over the next few pages we hope you’ll find something that inspires you. Remember, if the date of your preferred event has already passed you can always join us in 2020.

We hope to be welcoming you to Team Purple soon!

1 in 100 people in the UK

has epilepsy

48% of people with

epilepsy are not seizure free

1 in 3 is failed by epilepsy

medication

Making a difference to the lives of people affected by epilepsy is at the heart of everything we do.

Runs

Take strides to stop seizures and sign up for a running event in 2019. We have places in 10Ks, half marathon and marathon events up and down the country.

You can also join Team Purple with your place in any running event of your choice. Whatever the challenge, we’ll support you all the way to the finish line!

I am not a natural runner, but knew that I wanted to do something that would be a real challenge to myself. I decided to sign up for the Portsmouth 10k as my friend of 10 years has a little baby who was diagnosed with epilepsy this year. Every ache and sore muscle was totally worth it! Jemma Ponsford

10KGreat Manchester Run 19 May

Leeds 10K 7 July

British 10K July

York 10K 4 August

Half MarathonBig Half 10 March

Leeds Half Marathon 12 May

Great North Run 8 September

Cardiff Half 6 October

Royal Parks Half 13 October

Hertfordshire Half November

MarathonManchester Marathon 7 April

Brighton Marathon 14 April

London Marathon 28 April

Milton Keynes Marathon 6 May

Edinburgh Marathon 26 May

Visit epilepsysociety.org.uk/run to secure your place

Cycle

Get on your bike for a good cause and sign up for a UK or overseas cycling challenge. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced cyclist, there’s something for everyone. We’d also be more than happy to support you on your own bespoke cycling challenge. Get in touch to find out more.

Visit epilepsysociety.org.uk/cycle to secure your place

When I was diagnosed with epilepsy eight years ago I had to surrender my driving licence. As a consequence I had to spend a lot of time cycling. (RideLondon) has been a glorious ride, a fantastic experience. You don’t need to be Superman or Superwoman to do the ride. All you need is hard work and determination in your training. Rob Wainwright, Team Purple

UK CyclesRideLondon 4 August

RideLondon 46 4 August

London to Brighton 15 September

Overseas CyclesLondon to Amsterdam June

London to Paris September

Walks and treks

Grab your walking boots and experience some of the most incredible views the world has to offer. These challenges are fantastic to take on with friends, family or colleagues. And with a choice of distances you can pick the challenge that best suits you. Below is a selection of organised events but you can also create your own bespoke walking challenge in 2019!

Visit epilepsysociety.org.uk/walks to secure your place

UK Treks and WalksJurassic Coast Challenge 8 & 9 June

Trekfest, Brecon Beacons 6 July

Chiltern Challenge 27 & 28 July

Trekfest, The Peak District - 31 August

Thames Path Challenge (25k, 50k or 100k)

7 & 8 September

Thames Bridges Trek 7 September

Overseas Treks and WalksThe Inca Trail Various

Great Wall of China Various

Kilimanjaro Various

I set out at the beginning of 2018 to take on the ‘Walk 1000 miles in 2018’ challenge from the Country Walking magazine. The reason being to improve my fitness and overall well being. I then thought why not ask family and friends if they would kindly sponsor me in aid of The Epilepsy Society. I have a special place in my heart for this charity because my dear late sister Bridget suffered from epilepsy. Joanne Ager, Team Purple

Other challenges Superhero Series

Calling all adrenaline junkies! If you’re looking to take your fundraising to new heights why not take part in an abseil or skydive in 2019? These challenges require courage and enthusiasm but don’t demand you stick to any lengthy training schedules.

For more information visit epilepsysociety.org.uk/skydive or epilepsysociety.org.uk/abseil

Abseiling Broadgate Tower was an unforgettable experience. The views across London were breathtaking and knowing I was scaling one of London’s tallest buildings for a good cause made it even more memorable (and helped me step over the edge!) Paige Dawkins, Team Purple

For more information visit epilepsysociety.org.uk/superhero

Take to the skiesAbseil - We are hoping to hold an abseil at a location to be confirmed September

Skydive - held at a location and on a date that suits you! Various

Mission One: Superhero Tri Dorney Lake, Windsor 17 August

Unite with family and friends to take on a stage each of a Superhero Tri challenge – that’s a swim, cycle and push/run - or tackle the whole thing yourself. Anyone can enter, as long as there’s at least one person who considers themselves to have a disability per team.

Mission Two: Winter WonderwheelsDorney Lake, Windsor 2 December

The UK’s first festive disability sports event will see Everyday Superheroes cycle, walk, run, push, be pushed, or anything in between around Dorney’s spectacular lake. Again, you can fly solo or enter as a team.

Superhero Series is the UK’s one and only disability sport series for the Everyday Superhero and their friends and family. We’re putting a call out to our own community of Superheroes to join our teams for two fantastic fundraising events. Grab your cape and choose your mission!

What’s brilliant about all Superhero Series challenges is that there are no cut-off times and you can bring any kind of gismo or gadget you need to help you complete the challenge. What’s more, everyone is welcome to bring a ‘sidekick’ to push, guide or simply accompany them around the course.

Since there is no set way to fundraise, why not take the opportunity to raise money in a way that suits you?

From head shaves and car washes to music concerts and sponsored silences, we continue to be amazed by the creative and unique ways our supporters choose to fundraise.

Do your own thing

By visiting epilepsysociety.org.uk/fundraisingtoolsandtips you can browse our full A-Z of ideas, read up on our top tips to organising an event and order your free fundraising pack. Our fundraising team would also be more than happy to chat through any event idea you might have.

I had never expected to be diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 48. It was an incredible shock but I was very lucky to have my family around me. Each year we dance the night away and raise not just money but awareness of the condition and the great work of Epilepsy Society. Sue Condie who organises an annual music event in her local village hall.

Be the conversation starter

26 March

There are so many ways you can start the conversation this year.

Bake sale Purple party Whatever suits you

Find out more here: epilepsysociety.org.uk/purpleday19

Events calendar

Sign up for an overseas challenge or skydive in 2019!

Hold an event for Valentine’s Day (St. Valentine is the patron saint of epilepsy)

January

10 Big Half26 Purple Day

March

10 Milton Keynes Marathon

12 Leeds Half Marathon

19 Great Manchester Run

20-26 National Epilepsy Week

26 Edinburgh Marathon

May

7 Manchester Marathon

14 Brighton Marathon

28 London Marathon

April

Jurassic Coast Challenge

June

February

Volunteer in your area

If you are interested in becoming a Community Ambassador please visit our website epilepsysociety.org.uk/ambassadors

Are you wanting to raise awareness in your local community? Then becoming a Community Ambassador is the perfect role for you. Our Community Ambassadors play a vital role in representing Epilepsy Society at local events, speaking about our work and the importance of the funds our supporters raise. Local events can include attending school assemblies, cheque collections and also rotary clubs.

6 Trekfest - Brecon Beacons

7 Leeds 10K27/28 Chiltern

ChallengeTBC British 10K

July

4 RideLondon4 York 10K17 Superhero Tri31 Trekfest - The

Peaks

August

8 Great North Run8 Swim Serpentine7/8 Thames Path

Challenge7 Thames Bridges

Trek15 London to

BrightonTBC Abseil

Skydive • Spartan Race

September

TBC Hertfordshire Half Marathon

(Knebworth House)

November

6/7 Bournemouth Runs

6 Cardiff Half13 Royal Parks Half

Marathon

October

2 Winter Wonderwheels

TBC London Santa Run

December

Anytime!

Helpline 01494 601 400Monday and Tuesday 9am to 4pm, Wednesday 9am to 7.30pm. Confidential, national call rate. Information and emotional support.

/epilepsysociety

Epilepsy Society Chesham Lane, Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire SL9 0RJEnquiries 01494 601 300Fundraising 01494 601 414

©Epilepsy Society | Registered charity number 206186

epilepsysociety.org.uk