Ripon dad’s Land’s End to John O’Groats ride for epilepsy

Mark Mayatt-Simmons, of Ripon, completed the famous Land’s End to John O’Groats route, raising more than £2,300 for Leeds-based Epilepsy Action in honour of his daughter, Alia, who was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of four.

Mr Mayatt-Simmons said: “Alia had her first seizure out of the blue when she was just four years old.

Ripon father Mark Mayatt-Simmons and his daughter Alia (Image: Supplied)

“Initially we were told this can happen and not to worry, but after several seizures and EEGs, a diagnosis of epilepsy followed.

“It’s been a huge journey for us as a family.

“On difficult days Alia can have over 100 seizures, while on good days she can be seizure-free.

“She experiences a wide range of seizure types – tonic-clonic, focal, absence, myoclonic and atonic.

Ripon father Mark Mayatt-Simmons has cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats, raising more than £2,300 for Leeds-based Epilepsy Action in support of his daughter Alia, who lives with epilepsy. (Image: Supplied)

“She has been on many different anti-seizure medications (with a range of side effects), tried the ketogenic diet and has also had neurosurgery.

“Epilepsy affects the whole family. Her younger sister Iris copes incredibly well and is classed as a young carer.”

He added: “Everyday life is shaped by epilepsy – from checking where the nearest hospital is when travelling, to thinking about safety in the home or whether a particular activity is suitable.

Ripon father Mark Mayatt-Simmons with his friend Tom (Image: Supplied)

“Alia is incredibly resilient, smiley and adventurous – she loves nature, the outdoors and climbing.

“Support and advice from charities like Epilepsy Action have been invaluable, especially early on, and still are now.

“Epilepsy is about so much more than seizures.

Ripon father Mark Mayatt-Simmons on the road (Image: Supplied)

“It affects every part of life and no two people experience it the same way.”

He said: “It can also be incredibly unpredictable, with one day completely normal, the next very challenging, and that uncertainty is something families live with all the time.

“If more people understood what a seizure can look like and how to respond, it could save a life but also help protect someone’s dignity in their bad day.”

Ripon father Mark Mayatt-Simmons, right, with his friend Tom (Image: Supplied)

Mr Mayatt-Simmons undertook the cycling challenge with his friend Tom.

He said: “I’ve been friends with Tom since university, and within five minutes of pitching the challenge to him he said yes.

“This is our first challenge like this together – neither of us had any cycling background so we were very much learning and adapting each day.

Ripon father Mark Mayatt-Simmons (Image: Supplied)

“Mentally it’s very demanding – there are highs and lows each day.

“There is definitely a resilience factor – pushing through discomfort and pain.

“Having the motivation of supporting Epilepsy Action is huge when the current hill climb seems insurmountable or the headwind is picking up.”

Lands End (Image: Supplied)

The journey also created opportunities for connection and conversation with others affected by the condition.

Mr Mayatt-Simmons said: “A huge part of this challenge has been the people we’ve met and the conversations we’ve had about why we’re doing this.

“From the very first night before we even started, we ended up sharing drinks with a couple who had epilepsy in their family and immediately wanted to support what we were doing – and that’s been a theme all the way along the route.”

Having a rest (Image: Supplied)

A passionate volunteer for Epilepsy Action, Mr Mayatt-Simmons takes part in Talk & Support Groups and supports others as a Peer Support Officer.

He hopes to raise both funds and wider understanding of epilepsy through his efforts.

Philippa Cartwright, director of fundraising at Epilepsy Action, praised the impact of the ride.

Left, Mark Mayatt-Simmons with his friend Tom (Image: Supplied)

She said: “Mark and Tom took on a monumental challenge, and we’re so touched by their determination and drive to raise awareness of a condition that affects over 630,000 people in the UK.

“Through Mark’s own journey with his daughter, his family know the challenges as well as resilience that come with living with epilepsy.

“All of us at Epilepsy Action have been cheering Mark and Tom on from start to finish.

“We couldn’t be prouder of them and are so thankful for their extraordinary commitment and effort.”