West Haven ‘Epilepsy warrior’ tackling ultra marathon for charity

WEST Haven resident Lachie Price, 29, will attempt an 80-kilometre ultra marathon from Bondi to Manly in October, using the event as an opportunity to raise funds for Epilepsy Action Australia.

Lachie was diagnosed with epilepsy at just four-years-old, and it has impacted every part of his life.

“School was difficult as all my friends went and did activities that I couldn’t do, then they got drivers licences and that wasn’t possible for me either,” said Lachie, who now works in bush regeneration.

After living with the condition for close to two decades, Lachie underwent surgery six years ago to remove a section of his brain in the hope of controlling his frequent seizures.

This was followed by a twelve-month recovery.

The surgery, combined with regular medication, was successful and in the last four years he has only experienced two seizures.

With an increase in body temperature serving as a frequent seizure trigger, he was previously unable to participate in most sporting activities.

Now that he is virtually seizure free, he has enthusiastically embraced long distance running with a long-term goal of competing in a 100-kilometre marathon.

“For me it is about building up my endurance so that I can run for an extended period,” Lachie said.

“The distance is more important than how long it takes.”

He now runs four to five days a week as well as strength training in the gym, with one run a week covering 30-40 kilometres.

One of the most common neurological conditions in Australia, an estimated 150,000 to 270,000 people are currently living with epilepsy across the country.

Lachie’s fundraising run on 24 October supports the ongoing work of Epilepsy Action Australia, a leading provider of epilepsy support, advocacy, and information nationwide.

Visit bonditomanlyultra26.grassrootz.com/epilepsy-action-australia/epilepsy-warrior to donate.

By Rachael THORPE