Siblings share epilepsy bond

Alice, who lives with mum Jackie in Queens Road, Feltham, explains: "Everyone thinks epilepsy is just about strobe lights or camera flashes but its much more complicated and varied than that. It doesn't get enough coverage.

"I haven't had a fit in more than a year but Sam has them daily and they can last for up to 10 minutes. I remember when it started when he was about seven it was very scary."

Sam, 26, was diagnosed with epilepsy aged seven and also suffers from autism. He requires round-the-clock care and lives in a residential care home in Teddington.

Alice - who did not develop the condition until four years ago - struggled to deal with her brother's fits when she was younger but, since she was diagnosed with epilepsy, she has committed herself to finding out as much as possible about it.

And, in a bid to raise the profile of the disease, she has taken up charity runs in aid of Epilepsy Action.

Last year she ran 10k for the charity and next month she will be running in the Royal Parks Foundation half marathon, with the aim of taking part in the London Marathon in the next two years.

"I just feel like I want to do something to help," she said. "Even if it doesn't help Sam specifically, it's nice to do something. I'm really looking forward to the atmosphere on the day - the feeling of achievement afterwards will be brilliant."

If you would like to sponsor Alice, visit www.justgiving.com/Alice-Fox.

EPILEPSY: THE FACTS

Epilepsy is a tendency to have recurrent seizures (or fits) caused by excess electrical activity in the brain.

Epilepsy can be caused by brain damage but for 60% of people with epilepsy, the cause is unknown.

There is no cure for epilepsy but with medication about 70% people with epilepsy could have their seizures completely controlled.

Almost 500,000 people in the UK have epilepsy.

Famous people with epilepsy include musicians Neil Young and Mike Skinner, cricketer Tony Greig and actor Rik Mayall. Socrates, Napoleon and Edward Lear are also believed to have suffered seizures.