Help Us Support Ellie and Her Amazing School

Hi, my name’s Debbie, and I’m fundraising for Sir Charles Parsons School, a place that means the world to a lovely young girl named Ellie.

Ellie is my son’s girlfriend’s daughter. She’s 12 years old, full of spirit, and has a rare condition called PCDH19-related epilepsy. Because of this, she can’t live like most children her age. Simple things like going out for a coffee or visiting a park can be overwhelming and traumatic for Ellie and her mam, who gives her constant care and love 24/7.

Ellie struggles with meeting new people, loud noises, and changes in routine. She needs a lot of reassurance and calm surroundings. Even though I’ve met her only twice, I’ve seen how strong and brave she is, and how much pressure her mam carries every single day.

So, I decided to do something to help. I’m running the Sunderland 10k to raise funds for Sir Charles Parsons School, which is trying to build an immersive room or sensory room—facilities that would make a huge difference for children like Ellie.

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About PCDH19 Epilepsy

PCDH19 epilepsy is a rare genetic condition that mostly affects girls. It causes clusters of seizures that begin in infancy or early childhood and can lead to learning difficulties, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral challenges.

In the UK, it’s thought that around 1 in 100 children with early-onset epilepsy may have this condition—that’s over 1,000 children. But it’s so rare that only about 300 cases have ever been officially reported worldwide.

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Every pound raised will help give Ellie and her classmates better support, comfort, and care in an environment where they can feel safe and thrive.

Please donate whatever you can—no amount is too small. And thank you from the bottom of my heart.