A MOTHER and son from Dursley have taken on the challenge of walking 102 miles along the Cotswold Way to help children with epilepsy.

Helen Hyde and 11-year-old Jimi are walking to raise funds for EPIC - a charitable fund that helps to support local children and young people with epilepsy and their families.

Jimi, who has just started secondary school at Sir William Romney in Tetbury, suffers from a rare type of epilepsy, Landau Kleffner Syndrome, which has affected his learning and cognitive development.

Helen said: “Jimi’s seizures started eight years ago and he was diagnosed at Great Ormond Street three years later.

“He now struggles on a daily basis. He has seizures, absences - where you lose awareness of your surroundings for a short time -and he has also been diagnosed with dyslexia.

“But although Jimi has some real challenges with his health and his learning, he is an optimistic, brave and resilient boy.”

As well as wanting to raise funds to help other children, Helen says they are on a mission to raise awareness about epilepsy. They are keen to highlight the impact it can have on young lives, such as anxiety and mental health problems, which children with the condition are more likely to suffer from than their peers.

This was also another reason for the pair deciding to walk the Cotswold Way.

“We know that walking and being outside is good for Jimi and helps him cope with anxiety and worries,” said Helen.

Jimi and Helen originally set a target of raising £1,000 for EPIC, but have already reached an incredible £1,773. If you would like to show your support and make a donation, please visit their JustGiving page via: bit.ly/33VuqKT