Teen in running to help mother with epilepsy
A teenager will embark on a solo charity run to raise cash for an epilepsy charity after her mother was diagnosed with the condition.
Alixandra Hooper, from Kingswinford, will be cheered on by friends and family when the five-kilometre event takes place at Brierley Hill's Dell Stadium on April 11.
The 15-year-old, of Ranleigh Avenue, said she had wanted to do something for the Epilepsy Research UK charity while challenging herself at the same time.
"I don't dislike running but it is not something I'm particularly into," she said.
"My interests are books and science but if I had done something involving them it wouldn't have been a challenge.
"I wanted to test myself a little bit and do something out of my comfort zone."
The teenager, a pupil at the Crestwood School, said her mother, Sam had been diagnosed with epilepsy around a year ago.
"Unfortunately epilepsy cannot be cured only controlled," she said.
"It has meant major changes for my mum but she has been more worried about the impact it will have on the family.
"I wanted to do something for her, to give something back."
Alixandra said she had been preparing for the challenge which will take place on the stadium's athletics track.
And she has raised £750 through sponsorship so far.
"I will be well supported on the day," she said.
"Members of my family are coming along to cheer me along with my friends from school as well.
"It will be a good challenge. I have been preparing for it so hopefully it will all go well."
People who would like to support the teenager's challenge can log on to www.justgiving.com/alixhooper-run
