Fighting Fit – personal trainer’s personal epilepsy challenge raised over £2,500
KIRKCALDY-based personal trainer, Ben Smith, is fighting fit after a diagnosis of epilepsy in 2015, after a year of personal challenges to raise awareness of the condition and over £2,500 for national epilepsy charity Epilepsy Scotland.
Having set himself monthly challenges, and a fundraising target of £350, Ben has completed numerous races this year so far including the Loch Leven Half Marathon in May.
Ben aimed to complete a timed run every month, including Stirling Marathon, Edinburgh Marathon and Local Park runs.
However, due to Ben’s epilepsy he wasn’t well enough to complete the marathons but that didn’t stop him setting new challenges!
In June 2017, the 26 year old took on a three-day Metafit Marathon, Tough Mudder 13.1miles, the Glenrothes 10k, and Black Rock ‘5’ Race Kinghorn.
He’s since completed the Perth 10K and this month he’s taking part in a team 50,000 meter rowing challenge at Gym64 in Kirkcaldy. In December, Ben will round off his fundraising efforts with a ten-mile Relay race on Kirkcaldy Promenade.
Of his challenges and achievements, Ben said: “I have managed to raise over £2,500 for Epilepsy Scotland. This was through fundraising of my own and I also had the help of a local business, Society, who let me hold a charity band night event in June which was a massive success for raising awareness and bringing my total fundraising by more than double.
“My reason for taking on this challenge is I wanted to show people that fitness can really make a difference when you have epilepsy and to raise as much awareness as possible.”
Epilepsy Scotland’s community and event fundraiser, Kerry Reich, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to get to know Ben over the last year.
“We were delighted to have him on board to promote our Year of the Marathon! Ben has worked so hard to raise this amazing amount and his dedication and drive has inspired others to sign up and take part in events too.
“He has such a positive message to share with others and is a true inspiration. Ben has others challenges to complete over the next two months and who knows what he will challenge himself to do in 2018 but we can’t wait to hear all about it! We really appreciate his on-going support.”
To sponsor Ben in his 2017 challenge, visit his JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ben-smith61
ENDS
Notes for editors:
Epilepsy Scotland works with people affected by epilepsy to ensure that their voice is heard. We campaign for improved healthcare, better information provision and an end to stigma. This common serious neurological condition affects one in 97 people. We represent the 55,000 people with epilepsy, their families and carers. Our freephone Helpline (0808 800 2200) offers support and information. People can email (enquiries@epilepsyscotland.org.uk), text 07786 209501, find us on facebook, use twitter @epilepsy_scot or visit: www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk
For more information, or to arrange an interview with Ben Smith, please contact Kerry Reich, community and event fundraiser at Epilepsy Scotland on 0141 427 4911 or email: KReich@epilepsyscotland.org.uk
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