Jordan O Connell

Walking 100 Miles for Noah and Epilepsy Ireland 💜

This September, I will be walking 100 miles to raise vital funds for Epilepsy Ireland—a charity that means so much to me.

My son Noah experienced his first seizure on Valentine’s Day in 2019, when he was just six weeks old. A day normally associated with love became one of the most frightening days of my life. 

When Noah was two years old, he was diagnosed with epilepsy. No parent is ever prepared to watch their child have a seizure. The helplessness of seeing someone you love lose control of their own body is something that is very difficult to put into words. You cannot stop it, take it away or experience it for them—you can only stay beside them, keep them safe and wait for it to end.

Epilepsy affects so much more than people may realise. It brings fear, uncertainty and a constant awareness that another seizure could happen at any time. It affects the person living with epilepsy, but it also touches every part of family life.

Despite everything Noah has faced, he is the most amazing child. He is kind, funny, brave and truly the best kid I could have ever ask for. Epilepsy is part of his story, but it does not define who he is.

There is still so much that people do not understand about epilepsy. Every person’s experience is different, and every family deserves access to reliable information, understanding and support.

By walking 100 miles this September, I hope to raise both funds and awareness. Donations will help Epilepsy Ireland provide personalised support to people living with epilepsy and their families through its network of Community Resource Officers. They will also help challenge the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding epilepsy and fund vital research into better ways to manage and treat the condition.

Every mile I walk will be for Noah, for every person living with epilepsy and for every family who has ever felt frightened, helpless or alone.

If you can, please consider supporting my challenge by making a donation. No amount is too small, and every contribution will make a genuine difference. Simply click the Donate button—all donations are processed securely and go directly to Epilepsy Ireland.

Thank you so much for supporting Noah and everyone whose life has been affected by epilepsy. 💜