Epilepsy diagnosis inspires Banbury sisters to take on London Marathon challenge

The Evans family have lived in Banbury since Lucy, now 30, was two and her sister Rachel, now 26, was born here. The pair went to school in North Newington and then The Warriner before both moved away to pursue their careers – Lucy as a midwife, Rachel a clinical researcher – returning regularly to visit family.

Lucy’s diagnosis came in 2019 after she was admitted to hospital following three tonic-clonic seizures, ending the doubt that had persisted through 20 years of complex partial and absent seizures.

Rachel highlighted how the diagnosis changed her sister’s life: “Suddenly she was unable to do many daily tasks that we normally take for granted including driving and taking baths, leaving her feeling as though her independence was completely lost.

"She has also had to deal with multiple medications at high doses with unbelievably challenging side-effects to try and combat her complex partial seizures, unfortunately with little success.

"Throughout this journey from diagnosis to present day, I have been by Lucy's side and offered a shoulder to cry on when things get tough. A diagnosis of epilepsy was widely unknown to me before Lucy received hers and it can be scary when you don't know how to help. You never think that your family member will go through something so hard and, although some days are harder than others, wake up each day trying to get on with it - Lucy is an inspiration.”

The Epilepsy Society has been a key source of support for Lucy – as it has for many others – and that’s why on October 2 this year, the sisters will be running as part of the charity’s team purple. Both are sporty – Lucy cycles and both play netball – but the London Marathon is a new challenge for them.

Rachel said the society had helped her sister in a variety of ways: “For Lucy, without their support she would not have been able to remain working full-time as a midwife which has allowed her to preserve some independence and give her a focus to maintain her mental health. The charity has also allowed her to connect and share her experiences with other people living with Epilepsy, providing her with comfort from others who know first hand what she is experiencing.

“As a research practitioner, I know the importance of funding research in conditions with unmet medical needs. Epilepsy presents differently in different individuals, the symptoms and experiences can vary widely. The society's overall aim is to spearhead personalised treatment and to incorporate genomic diagnosis into the NHS for people with epilepsy. They conduct cutting-edge research at the Chalfont Centre.

"This vital research is done to help improve the lives of those living with epilepsy but cannot be done without funding - which is why we need your help.”

To support the sisters, go to their justgiving page - click here.