COMEDIAN Russell Howard is one of forty people who will be supporting a south Bucks epilepsy charity by running next weekend's London Marathon.

The star of 'Mock the Week' will be putting on his running shoes to raise money for the Chalfont St Peter-based National Society for Epilepsy along with siblings Kerry and Daniel.

His younger brother Daniel, who suffers from epilepsy, said in a recent magazine interview: “We’re all pretty fit but we’re going to have to push ourselves a bit. To be honest though, if some serious training through winter and spring means we can raise lots of money for the NSE and help people with epilepsy, it will really be worth it.

“I am always aware just how lucky I am. My epilepsy is totally controlled. There is nothing I can’t do although I did once lose my driving licence after a seizure. I have a good job and the support of a very close family. But I realise not everyone is as fortunate.”

High Wycombe resident Steve Perry will also be fundraising for the Chesham Lane-based charity, which provides residential care for around 100 people with severe epilepsy and houses the only MRI scanner in the UK dedicated solely to epilepsy.

The marketing executive for Gerrards Cross solicitors' firm BP Collins was inspired to raise money for the NSE after meeting people with the condition who live at the charity’s centre.

He said: “My firm has an excellent relationship with the National Society for Epilepsy. BP Collins was the main sponsor of the NSE Fun Run in 2007 which I enjoyed helping to organise and take part in.

“More recently an exhibition of art work, created by residents at the Chalfont Centre, was held at our offices and raised nearly £5,000 for the charity. It was a real privilege to meet the artists and lovely to see how proud they were to see their work displayed.”

He added: “Epilepsy is still a condition surrounded by stigma and life can be difficult for many people affected by it. I just want to do my bit to help raise money and awareness for the National Society for Epilepsy.”

To sponsor any of the runners raising money for the NSE, click the link below.