A 37-year-old mum-of-three has rallied more than 100 people to run 5k a day in May to raise awareness and funds for people who suffer from a rare type of drug-resistant epilepsy.

Dravet Syndrome is a catastrophic, lifelong neurological condition which is often described as life limiting.

The total distance covered by the men, women and children who have pledged to run will be more than 15,000km - the equivalent of running from the UK to Australia.

Tamara Ward, from Middle Barton, came up with the idea to support her six-year-old nephew and godson, Dominic Williams, who was born with Dravet Syndrome.

Dominic can suffer from seizures weekly and requires around-the-clock care.

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After he suffered a particularly bad seizure in March 2020, Tamara decided to raise  funds for Dravet Syndrome UK, a charity dedicated to helping families who live with the  rare condition.

Soon she had enrolled the help of 40 volunteers and raised over £45,000 - winning a regional Daily Mirror Pride of Britain award in 2021.

This year, however, she has set the bar even higher.

Witney Gazette:

She has already enlisted over 130 people aged from four to 79, including Dominic’s mum who has a reduced lung function and two other families who also have children living with Dravet Syndrome.

Team Dravet have runners spread across the UK and Tamara and her husband Mike, who have three children aged four, seven and nine, will be fitting their daily runs in before or after school.

Mrs Ward said: "Dominic’s seizures have become more common and intense in recent years and so we were keen to raise as much awareness and funds to help those who live with this condition.

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"My husband and I and a selfless team of our wonderful family, friends and friends of friends aim to raise as much money as possible to support the work of this incredible charity by putting in the effort every day throughout May."

Dominic’s mum, Natalia Williams, explained: "Dominic has been put through a huge amount over the years and it is a daily challenge with seizures, hospital trips, careful planning when we leave the house and lots of cancelling of plans - but he is one of the happiest boys I know. 

"While Dravet has a big impact on family life, the huge support we get from the charity and from friends, and strangers who are doing the running is just amazing and we are truly grateful.’

To donate, go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/5kadayinMay4Dravet22