AN epilepsy sufferer is running 10 kilometres to raise money for other sufferers.

Katie Ward, 20, is a hairdresser at Hair Moda in Weymouth, and together with her best friend Ashleigh Evans, 20, she will be running the 10-kilometre Bupa London 10,000 on May 30.

The route of the run will include parts of the route that will be used in the 2012 marathons and starts and finishes in St James’s Park.

Katie was just 17 years old when she was diagnosed and has the condition under control through medication and monitoring.

She said: “We are running for Epilepsy Action which is a charity close to my heart. I have had it since I was 17, so it’s something quite new to me. I’m ok now and I’m at that point I can help others.

“I know how it feels and there are people a lot worse than me out there and I wanted to do something to raise money and help others.

“I’m hoping to raise as much money as possible.”

She added: “Epilepsy is quite a hard thing to deal with. I go to Dorset County Hospital every few months to make sure everything is ok.”

Katie and Ashleigh have been training together and have been running for two and a half miles recently.

Katie said: “We just want to be able to just do it and run straight through. It’s been quite hard work but it’s going to be really good.”

Cheering Katie and Ashleigh on will be Katie’s work mates at Hair Moda, where she has worked for the last four years.

She said: “I really love the job and love the people that I work with, they are so supportive.

“I have had a few blips, or funny five minutes as I call them, at work and everyone has been great. They are a great team and it’s like a big family.”

She added: “The best bit about the job id making people feel better about themselves. It’s the satisfaction of knowing you helped to make them feel better.”

Donations to Katie and Ashleigh’s charity appeal for Epilepsy Action can be made to Hair Moda, Marsh Road, Weymouth or by calling 01305 775858.