Supporter Max Attwood shares his personal experience of epilepsy and explains why he’s taking on the Goodwood Half Marathon in support of The Meath
How has your epilepsy diagnosis affected you?
About five years ago, my life changed when I was diagnosed with frontal lobe epilepsy. Epilepsy isn’t just a medical condition — it reshapes how you live day to day, the relationships you build, and the opportunities you can pursue. It carries with it constant uncertainty, as seizures can happen without warning, and the medication that controls them often brings its own challenges. Living with epilepsy means learning to adapt — finding ways to stay safe, to explain the condition to others, and to manage not only the physical impact but also the emotional toll it takes.
What made you decide to support The Meath Epilepsy Charity?
Despite what I have been through, I am lucky. Lucky to be a part of the 70% of people with epilepsy who have achieved long-term seizure freedom with the right medication. I can drive, work, study, and form relationships much like anyone else — though often with some lifestyle adjustments. However, around one third of people with epilepsy are unable to control their seizures through treatment, a reality that can greatly affect independence, daily routines, and overall quality of life. For many, it means living with constant uncertainty, adapting to restrictions on driving or employment, and managing the emotional and physical toll of unpredictable seizures.
That is why I want to support the incredible Meath Epilepsy Charity in Surrey — a place dedicated to supporting those whose epilepsy cannot be managed by medication alone. The Meath provides 24-hour specialist residential care, supported living, and day services for adults with complex epilepsy and additional disabilities. Beyond medical support, it offers a vibrant community where residents can take part in meaningful activities, from art and music to sport and skills development, helping them to build confidence and independence. Families gain peace of mind knowing their loved ones are safe and supported, while residents themselves are encouraged to live not just safely, but fully — with dignity, opportunity, and joy at the centre of everything.
I have loved visiting The Meath and seeing the people they support busy at the Skills Centre, creating art, working out at the gym and playing football.
Despite the fantastic work that is done at The Meath, their statutory funding falls far short of covering the full cost of running The Meath. While statutory funding covers the the basics like housing, heating, and food, sadly it does not stretch to some of the the services that truly make a difference to the quality of residents’ lives — such as the wonderful activity sessions at the Skills Centre, their vehicles, specialist equipment and even cost of repair and upkeep of their buildings.
How do you hope your sponsored half marathon will support The Meath?
I will be taking on the Goodwood Half Marathon — a challenge I am both excited and a little nervous about. I’ll be using my social media to raise awareness, share my journey, and highlight the incredible work being done at The Meath. I know first hand that awareness is extremely important and I hope that by sharing posts online I can help to raise awareness of both epilepsy and the work of The Meath. I’m fortunate to have a supportive network of friends colleagues and family members, and in particular, my sister Olivia Attwood will help me with raising awareness as she has a large online following.
It’s also important that I raise lots of money for the charity. I really hope that people will feel motivated to donate to my campaign by the genuine effort of the training but most of all, by my genuine enthusiasm for the work of the charity and the people they support. People can donate to my online fundraising page, every donation makes a difference. https://www.justgiving.com/page/maximilian-attwood
Do you have a message for readers?
Please show your support and donate to my challenge page! I feel so inspired by the work of The Meath and hope that this challenge is the start of future support, but I want my Goodwood Half Marathon to make a really positive impact.
Every contribution, no matter the size, goes directly towards helping The Meath provide life-changing care support, and opportunities for people living with complex epilepsy.
Together, we can make sure that Meath residents are not only kept safe, but are also able to live the rich, fulfilling, and joyful lives they deserve.
Thank you!
“Epilepsy has had a direct impact on our family and i’ve seen first-hand the resilience Max has shown. I couldn’t be prouder that he’s using his story to support The Meath Epilepsy Charity, whose work makes such a difference to people’s lives.”
Olivia Attwood, Model, Presenter and proud big Sister
