A STIRLING woman is pulling on her running trainers to raise money for two charities.

Clare Moffat will cover more than 20 miles in a bid to support Epilepsy Research UK and Start-Up Stirling.

Despite having epilepsy herself, the 39-year-old has decided to take on the inaugural Stirling Scottish Marathon later this month to raise vital funds for Epilepsy Research UK (ERUK), the only national charity exclusively dedicated to funding research into epilepsy.

Clare is also raising money for and awareness of Start Up Stirling, a charity she is personally involved in as a trustee, by running the 26.2 miles on Sunday, May 21.

She said: "Before signing up to the Stirling Scottish Marathon, the furthest I’d ran was 13.1 miles but I wanted to set myself a challenge and at the same time raise money for two charities that are very close to my heart.

"I’m fortunate in that my epilepsy is fairly well-controlled but, with an estimated 600,000 people living with the condition in the UK, I know that many others are not so fortunate and more research could help them to live a more normal life.

"I am personally involved in Start-Up Stirling, a food bank which provides vital support to local people experiencing financial hardship.

"Many local people will be used to seeing the collection points in supermarkets. This charity and its many volunteers do amazing work in collecting and distributing food which helps families when they are at their lowest point.

"Running the marathon in my home town will be particularly special. I have received fantastic support so far from my friends and family and, with just over three weeks to go before the race, I have already raised nearly £1,700 (excluding gift aid) for the charities."

Jo Finnerty, events fundraiser for ERUK, said: "Clare has been raising money and awareness for Epilepsy Research UK since 2015.

"Clare is fantastic at raising awareness of the condition by speaking frankly about her own experiences – this is hugely valuable to us as a charity and motivating to our other supporters too.

"We are truly grateful to Clare for all her continued support."

Linda Sterry, project co-ordinator at Start Up Stirling, said: "Start-Up Stirling relies upon the support of our local community for donations of goods and funds and are delighted that Clare is raising funds to help to support our vital work supporting the folks who need our help throughout Stirlingshire" 

To donate visit Clare's fundraising page, uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ClareMoffat1