Police sergeant preparing for Marathon run
A POLICE sergeant is gearing up to run the London Marathon for a cause close to his heart.
Sgt Chris Wharton, of Charnwood NPA, will be taking up the challenging run in April next year for the Epilepsy Society.
Speaking on his JustGiving page, Mr Wharton said: “My wife suffers from this condition, she was diagnosed in her 20s and found it very difficult to deal with both the physical and mental challenges that came with this.
“It’s a challenge she faces on a daily basis, a struggle which no one sees.
“Before I met my wife I knew nothing about the condition, and I believe awareness is essential to help make the lives of sufferers, their friends and family, much easier.
“Funding is vital to raise this awareness and for further research into this complex condition and possible treatments.
“My wife is fortunate and her seizures are kept at bay by medicine. Not everyone is so lucky.
“By running the Marathon I hope to play my part in raising awareness and funds to help the Epilepsy Society continue with their important and life changing work.
“Epilepsy Society’s incredible Team Purple will be dedicating days, weeks and months to fund-raising and training for this iconic 26.2-mile running event to change the lives of people affected by epilepsy across the UK.
“The society’s exciting new phase of genetic research will enable those with epilepsy to receive the right diagnosis, at the right time and receive the right medication and care.
“It also provides information and emotional support via a helpline for people with epilepsy, their families, friends and professionals.”
Mr Wharton is hoping to raise £2,000 for the cause and is planning a raffle, snooker competition and a cake sale for early in 2020.
He added: “If you are able to support me please with a small donation I would be humbled and extremely grateful.
“I am also running two half marathons as part of my training and doing those carrying collection buckets and fancy dress so I am determined to reach my target.”
Visit Mr Wharton’s JustGiving page at https://bit.ly/35yvYdn