KNOWING how devastating the effects of epilepsy can be, one Southampton sufferer is taking on a marathon challenge to help others.

Stuart French, from Bitterne, will be running the London Marathon in just two months time, hoping to raise £2,000 for the Epilepsy Society, a charity close to his heart.

This will be the 33-year-old’s first marathon, but to ensure he hits his fundraising target, the Hub sports centre in Eastleigh have given him the use of their pitch today for a charity football game, which starts at 5pm.

He said: “I am running this marathon to raise awareness of epilepsy and to highlight the work and research carried out by Epilepsy Society. I am very aware just how devastating epilepsy can be and I am determined to do my bit to help.”

To sponsor Stuart visit the website justgiving.com/StuartFrench1