Teddington mum Hayley Excell has excelled in completing charity Epilepsy Action's 'Jog 30 Miles in June' challenge in support of her son.

Hayley took on the challenge with her best friend Lucie for Bleu, six, who has been living with epilepsy since May 2021.

Bleu was born with a brain tumour and associated hydrocephalus, a build-up of fluid on his brain. The six-year-old has had eight brain surgeries, the first being when he was less than a day old, and countless other medical interventions.

After his sixth operation, Bleu woke up and couldn't move his right side and his mouth had dropped on that side.

This caused him to have right-sided hemiplegic cerebral palsy and following this, years of rehabilitation with physio, occupational therapy, speech-language and visual therapy.

Two years ago, Bleu was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, meaning that he can find certain sounds, foods and environments overwhelming and upsetting.

Last year in May, Bleu started having seizures and despite now being on frequent epilepsy medication, he still has around 16 seizures a month and has to sleep with a seizure alarm.

Despite Bleu's challenging start to life, his mother Hayley could not be prouder of the young boy he is becoming and the determination he has shown in his early years.

advertisement

Speaking to Nub News she said: "Despite everything that life has thrown at him, Bleu is a bubbly, cheeky six-year-old, and I'm so proud of how he has overcome so many difficulties."

He fights on and finds happiness in the smallest of things, taking it all in his stride. He's learnt to speak, has started reading and has now made the transition to mainstream school."

Together, Hayley and Lucie are hoping to raise £200 for Epilepsy Action to help the charity support people affected by epilepsy.

The charity is made up of a community of people committed to providing high quality, accessible epilepsy healthcare services, so that people with epilepsy have the support they need to manage their condition.

Hayley added: "Although we live with a constant anxiety about Bleu's seizures, it doesn't stop us from trying new things and finding something to laugh at every day. Bleu is our absolute world, and we pull strength from his bright smile and inspiring attitude to life."

Philippa Cartwright, director of fundraising for Epilepsy Action said: "We're delighted that Hayley and Lucie took on our Jog 30 miles in June challenge to raise vital funds and awareness for Epilepsy Action.

"The challenge has been a fantastic opportunity for people to give jogging a go and many, like Hayley, have found that jogging can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing."

advertisement

There are 600,000 people currently living with epilepsy in the UK. The condition affects around one in every 100 people in the UK and every day, 87 people are diagnosed.

Epilepsy Action's charitable causes have helped raise over £60,000 for those affected by the condition.

To support Hayley's fundraiser and Epilepsy Action's continued work, visit the link here.