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Elliott gets on his bike for Challenge-100 ride

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Nicola Swanborough

Elliott gets on his bike for Challenge-100 ride

Thirty-one-year-old Bradford man, Elliott Horan,  is planning to cycle 100 miles in four days to raise funds for the Epilepsy Society, and to show how keeping fit can help with the depression and anxiety that often accompany his epilepsy.

Cyclist Elliott Horan is cycling beside a waterway, in full cycling gear.

Elliott is one of hundreds of our amazing supporters who are taking part in our Challenge-100 event to complete 100 miles in 100 days and raise £100 to help fund our vital services and research.

Participants can run, walk, cycle, static cycle, hop, skip or jump and can either compete individually or as part of a team.

Elliott  is setting out today, Monday 8 February 2021 – the International Day for Epilepsy – and will be joined on the ride by his dad Chris and friend Nick Whittaker, a radiographer in the NHS.

“I can’t cycle on my own in case I have a seizure on route,” explains Elliott. “I have about four seizures a month and never know when they are going to happen, so cannot risk riding on the roads. Instead, we will be riding on the Greenways which are traffic free, so much safer. And obviously my dad and Nick know what to do if I have a seizure.”

Support from Peter Hook

Elliott is also being supported by Manchester rock musician Peter Hook, former bassist with Joy Division. The lead singer of the post punk 70s band, Ian Curtis, had epilepsy and suffered from depression.

Elliott continued: “Depression is a big side effect of epilepsy for me and I know that it affects many other people too. But I find that if I keep myself fit and take regular exercise it helps me to feel better.”

Peter Hook said: “I was heartened to hear that Elliott’s getting out there to help and inspire those suffering like himself with the burden of epilepsy. He has my full support and sincere best wishes for his endeavours. I do hope the weather holds out.” 

Challenge-100 is running until 10 April.

Katrina Jones, Community Fundraising Manager at the Epilepsy Society said: “We have been overwhelmed by the number of people like Elliott who are signing up to raise funds for us. Our fundraising income has been hit hard with so many traditional events being cancelled due to the pandemic. So it is  really heartening to see people stepping out to raise the funds that will support our helpline and our vital research. We wish Elliott all the best for his bike ride. And a huge thank you to everyone who is taking part.”
 

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