Campaigner to run 54 marathons in honour of sister

A man who ran 27 marathons last year in memory of his sister who died from epilepsy complications has confirmed plans to double those efforts in 2027.

Barry Ahearn, from Epsom, raised £23,000 for Epilepsy Action in honour of sister Abbie, who was in cardiac arrest for 27 minutes during a seizure before passing away in September 2023.

Ahearn, who was nominated in the 2025 BBC Make a Difference Awards, is to run 54 marathons next year after his fundraising "gained momentum".

He said: "Every day people are getting diagnosed with it [epilepsy], and they still need support, so it really was just a case of, 'well I'm doing this, and I'll carry on doing it as long as my body allows me'."

Ahearn has continued to raise epilepsy awareness with the help of Epsom and Ewell MP Helen Maguire, and he also plans to start volunteering with Epilepsy Action.

This voluntary role will see him engage with those struggling with the difficulties of epilepsy, including issues around "access to medication" and "restrictions" in job opportunities.

The Make a Difference Awards nominee, who was not a runner prior to his sister's diagnosis, admits he found the ceremony "overwhelming".

Ahearn said: "My wife and I couldn't quite believe it...and hearing some of the stories for the other nominees was amazing, it's quite shocking how much people do for their local communities to help others."

Revealing plans to nominate someone deserving for this year's awards, he encouraged others to do the same.

He said: "If there's someone that you know that's going out of their way to help others and feel they should be recognised then absolutely [submit a nomination]."

To nominate someone for any of the eight categories, visit the Make a Difference site which will close for nominations at 17:00 BST on 31 March.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.