Sister to run 40 races including Night Run Bolton after brother dies

Laura Josephs, from Moston, is taking on the ambitious challenge to mark what would have been her brother Marcus’ 40th birthday.

She is raising funds for Epilepsy Action after Marcus died in January following an epileptic seizure, having lived with the condition for nearly 20 years.

Her next race is Night Run Bolton on June 5, followed by Port Sunlight 5 and 10k on June 7.

Ms Josephs said: “He was seizure-free for a couple of years, until around the age of 25, but he started having seizures again.

“They were quite severe and he ended up being in and out of hospital a lot.”

Diagnosed at 19, Marcus had a period of stability following medication but later developed severe seizures and related complications, including personality changes.

Ms Josephs said: “One of the most distressing experiences of Marcus’ story was when he was prosecuted for hitting a security guard in hospital.

“Marcus often got very disoriented following a seizure and was in this post-ictal state when the incident occurred.”

His sudden death came as a shock, despite his history with epilepsy.

Ms Josephs said: “Even with Marcus’s experiences, I still feel I never knew how serious epilepsy could be.

“Marcus absolutely loved life and lived life to the fullest.

“He was always at festivals, dancing, clubbing.”

Wanting to honour his memory, she decided to run 40 races, totalling the distance from Manchester to London, finishing on what would have been Marcus’ 40th birthday in November, at the Heaton Park half-marathon.

Ms Josephs said: “I’ve run before but never done races—my first race was the first of these for Marcus.

“I feel grateful that I’m able to continue his legacy, do some fundraising and bring myself a bit of peace through this.”

She has raised nearly £1,500 so far.

Rebekah Smith, chief executive at Epilepsy Action, said: “We are overwhelmed by the incredible challenge Laura is taking on in memory of her brother Marcus.

“Her determination not only to challenge herself but also to raise awareness of the severity of epilepsy is truly inspiring.

“Three people die from epilepsy related causes every day in the UK.

“Even more shocking than this is the number of families who only find out that epilepsy can be fatal after their loved one has passed away – their grief is unimaginable.”

Epilepsy Action supports people with epilepsy across the UK and campaigns for greater awareness and improved services.

Around one in every 100 people in the UK is affected by epilepsy, with more than 73,000 living with the condition in the north-west.

Expert advice is available through the charity’s freephone helpline on 0808 800 5050 or at www.epilepsy.org.uk.

Ms Josephs has set up an Instagram page @runningformarcus to raise awareness and document her progress.

Donations can be made via her JustGiving page by visiting www.justgiving.com/page/inmemoryofmarcus-epilepsyaction.