Young mum goes the extra mile for Gracie
Siew Peng Lee • Published 6 May 2010 07:05
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SHE set up a Fife epilepsy support network - and now an Inverkeithing woman will be running the Dunfermline Half Marathon to raise the group's profile.
Loreen Smith (23), of Cleveland Drive, will be pounding the pavements for Gracie's Epilepsy Appeal, named after her baby girl, Gracie-May, to raise awareness and cash for the support group.
The young mum was inspired by Gracie-May, now one, to set up the appeal after struggling to cope with her epilepsy and being "shocked" to discover that there were no support groups for children and families living with the disease.
Her efforts saw Gracie's Epilepsy Appeal launched officially last month and now Loreen hopes her run will help keep it, well, running.
She said, "I've been allocated five places but it's just me and Gaye Kelly, the Quarriers' epilepsy field worker for Fife, at the moment.
"I've asked Willie Rennie, who's a keen runner, to join. He might run after the election so I'll ask him again then!
"Right now I'm training by just going down to the beach in Aberdour and going out walking with the pram.
"I'll be going up to the gym closer to the time but I'm taking it slightly easy at the moment and breaking myself in gently."
Loreen doesn't have a target amount and said she was "happy to raise anything".
However, she added, "We need to raise enough to at least get the hire of a place, like a hall, for the group.
"Willie Rennie is looking into getting part funding from the NHS for us but I'll still need to get enough to keep the group running.
"I'm also looking at organising days out for the group - some parents are quite sceptical about taking children out because of the pressures and problems involved.
"But if we go out as a group it should take the edge off that - we'll be working together rather than as a single person, which should make it easier."
Above all, Loreen is determined to run for Gracie-May, whose epileptic fits have become worse.
She said, "I feel excited and nervous.
"I'm motivated by Gracie, and I really want to make this a sustainable network."
Anyone who would like to run for Gracie's Epilepsy Appeal can get involved through Epilepsy Scotland or Gracies Epilepsy Appeal on Facebook.
Enter the Dunfermline half marathon at: www.dunfermline-half.co.uk
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