Parents from Solihull "lives turned upside down" after son diagnosed with epilepsy

A father from Solihull is taking on an epic challenge to raise money and awareness for epilepsy after his son was diagnosed with the condition.

Rich Stevens’ four year old son Ralph suddenly developed epilepsy last summer, having frequent seizures where he would shake and often turn blue because of breathing difficulties.

Medication is helping to manage Ralph’s larger fits to a certain extent but he still has multiple myoclonic and atonic seizures most days. Doctors admit it’s an unpredictable condition which is very difficult to accurately diagnose and treat on a long term basis.

Rich, 34, and his 32 year old brother Mike are taking on an Ironman challenge, which involves a 1900m swim, 90km bike ride and half marathon run to finish, to raise money and awareness for the condition.

Rich Stevens, who works in construction and engineering management, said: “We want to help spread the word about what a nightmare this condition can be and why it needs a lot more funding for research.

"There is a constant dark cloud of worry over us, we have cameras in every room and on too many occasions we have thought Ralph wouldn’t survive."

Prior to starting the challenge Rich and Mike had limited experience, so they called upon friend Arj Thiruchelvam, Performance Physique Head Coach, to help train them.

He said: "This really is the pinnacle of the pinnacle of endurance events. This isn't something many people can do, it takes real commitment.

"For those who train full time it's really difficult and when you are trying to do this with a job and a family it's immensely difficult but when you are trying to do this with a son who is so poorly some of the time, it's unthinkable and I have all the praise for Rich and Mike for doing this challenge."

To donate to Rich's Just Giving Page click here.