A SPORTY lad who overcame his epilepsy is competing in a race to raise money for charity.

George Murtha, 18, from Wickham Bishops, will be running in the London half marathon in October to raise money for the Epilepsy Society.

George was diagnosed at the age of 13 with Benign Rolandic Epilepsy, a condition which affected him in his sleep.

He suffered with epileptic seizures in his early teens and now wants to help others overcome the same fate.

His first experience came during the Christmas period in 2014.

He said: “Let me set the scene - it’s December 22, everyone is getting really Christmassy and starting to get very excited.

“I was ready for bed and couldn’t wait to get up in the morning as I was going round a friend’s house the next day for a sleepover.

“I eventually fall asleep but then suddenly I wake up with three paramedics around my bed, me covered in my own blood and urine and then, suddenly, it all goes black.

“I remember very little of the ambulance journey to the hospital all I remember is seeing my mum at the end of that ambulance sitting there, watching helplessly as I passed in and out of consciousness.

“We finally get to the hospital - the three of us, my mum, dad and myself, laying there wondering what just happened.

“I remember sitting there talking to the doctor - I couldn’t believe what I was hearing I thought that was it that I was going to have to stop rugby and skiing and be watched and monitored my whole life.

“Christmas came along so fast, I remember sitting at the dinner table not being able to eat my Christmas dinner because I had bitten through my tongue to the point where talking hurt and eating and drinking were not possible without pain.

“I thought that it would hold me back from so much, but I had the best family and most supportive friends.

George will be running the race with his partner Ellie Bowerman, who has supported him with his condition.

He added: “After years of medication, I’m seizure-free but not yet cleared.

“I’m a lucky one as there are many other brave people out there suffering day after day.

“I’m running the marathon for all the other babies, kids and adults that know how I feel and I want to show that we as a team can conquer and live life to the fullest without the weight of an illness on our shoulders.”

George has raised more than half of his £400 target.

To donate, visit gf.me/v/c/hqck/1wk1weva40.