In 2010 Ealing 's Lizzie Search feared she may never run again following a seizure.
But six years later, the 36-year-old, who lives with epilepsy, has refused to let her condition limit her life and will be taking on the Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday (April 24).
Together with sister, Jenny Search, the pair will be running for charity Epilepsy Action , which provides advice and support to the estimated 600,000 people in the UK living with the condition.
Lizzie had her first tonic-clonic seizure, affecting the entire brain where the person loses consciousness, in 2010 when she was swimming before blacking out and waking up in an ambulance.
Doctors told her not to run, swim or cycle and to resign from her role in TV production because of the affect lighting could have on her.
She said: "My first tonic-clonic seizure was the moment my life changed.
"It was quite dramatic, I was swimming and I couldn't understand what people were saying to me, I couldn't understand it but I carried on swimming and then next thing I know I woke up and I was in an ambulance."
'I couldn't do what I loved'
Following the seizure she was overwhelmed by unclear information from doctors, which led her to fear the limitations having such seizures could place on her life.
She added: "I was told by doctors that I shouldn’t continue my work in live television galleries, a job that I loved, because the lights and monitors could be dangerous for me.
"I was also told that I couldn’t do any swimming, running or cycling in the near future.
"I didn’t know how to explain what had happened because I didn’t understand it.
"I didn’t know who I was anymore or what future lay ahead for me. "
But with the help of Epilepsy Action and close friends, she has had access to key information which enables her to live without the restrictions of her condition.
Although she had another tonic-clonic seizure in 2012 and again in 2013, she had been using medication that has enabled her to take part in a number of running events, continue with everyday life including her job in TV and to train for April's race.
She added: "Epilepsy Action has helped me realise that I do not need to place these limitations on my life.
"The information and support they have provided, along with the amazing support from my family, has helped me to learn about my condition.
"I now balance my life so I can avoid the things that trigger my seizures.
"I have also worked to get my medicines right so that I have been able to start doing sport again.
"On Sunday 24 April, I will be standing on the start line of the London Marathon with my sister Jenny."
The pair hope to donate £3,500 and you can help their cause by donating here .
