Brother Runs London Marathon in Memory of Sister Lost to Epilepsy
Barry Ahearn, a 45-year-old from Epsom, Surrey, is set to run one of the world's most prestigious marathons, the London Marathon, in a heartfelt tribute to his younger sister, Abbie. Abbie passed away just three months before her 30th birthday in 2023 following a severe epileptic seizure that led to cardiac arrest. Barry, a long-term supporter of Epilepsy Action, has already raised nearly £23,000 for the charity through his dedicated efforts.
A Personal Mission to Honor Abbie's Legacy
In the past year, Barry completed an impressive 27 half-marathons, each representing the 27 minutes Abbie's brain was without oxygen as paramedics tried to revive her. "The reason I chose to do 27 half-marathons is because this represents the amount of time Abbie's brain was without oxygen while paramedics tried to revive her," Barry explained. He highlighted that Epilepsy Action reports around 1,000 epilepsy-related deaths annually in the UK, equating to about three people every day. "I want to make sure Abbie is not just 'one of the three,'" he added, emphasizing his drive to raise awareness and funds.
Since his initial challenge, Barry has accomplished an ultra-marathon and was named a finalist at the BBC Make a Difference awards. His upcoming London Marathon is part of a series of planned challenges to continue his advocacy. Barry's work has garnered recognition from local MP Helen Maguire, who joined him for a Parkrun last November and has since collaborated with the charity.
Community and Political Support for the Cause
Helen Maguire expressed her admiration for Barry's commitment, stating, "I'm so inspired to see Barry taking on the London Marathon to honour his sister, Abbie, and support Epilepsy Action. Having joined Barry for a recent parkrun in support of the cause, I know how powerful these efforts can be in bringing people together and raising awareness. I wish him the very best of luck and commend his incredible commitment."
Barry is determined to shed light on the serious impacts of epilepsy, which he describes as more than just seizures. "Many people think epilepsy is just about 'seizures,' when in reality there's so much more that goes along with the condition," he noted. He explained that epilepsy can lead to loss of independence, driving restrictions, social isolation, and severe medication side effects like fatigue and mood swings. Abbie was diagnosed only six weeks before her death, and Barry aims to ensure her passing leads to meaningful change.
Future Challenges and Charity Impact
Looking ahead, Barry is already planning his next big challenge, potentially involving doubling the 27 half-marathons. Philippa Cartwright, director of fundraising at Epilepsy Action, praised his efforts: "We're honoured to have Barry as one of our 2026 London Marathon runners. The challenges he has taken on over these past couple of years have been incredible, and we're so grateful for his ongoing support." She added that the funds raised will support campaigns for better epilepsy care and frontline services, including helplines and support groups.
Epilepsy affects approximately one in every 100 people in the UK, with around 80 new diagnoses daily. Epilepsy Action is dedicated to improving lives through advocacy and awareness, offering resources like a freephone helpline at 0808 800 5050 and online support at www.epilepsy.org.uk. Barry's journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community action in addressing health issues.
