Jeremy Parry

Despite suffering from grand mal epilepsy since childhood, Jeremy has never let this interfere with his life, taking part in offshore sailing, rock-climbing, mountaineering, snowboarding and latterly triathalon. In 2007 he climbed Kilimanjaro to the Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, wearing his 'Epilepsy Action' shirt and in 2009 qualified as an 'Ironman' at the Bolton IronmanTriathalon raising a great deal of money for the charity. He is currently in training for another Ironman triathalon in Nurnberg this year. Medically disqualified from driving, until very recently, finding suitable jobs was not easy but, always independent, Jeremy has never claimed invalidity benefits and has been an inpirational figure encouraging other epileptics to be as active as possible. His story has been used by the NHS in Truro for this purpose and, at their request, he has also delivered lectures to Medical specialists explaining his radical views on life as an epileptic . A married man with two small children, he now works as a personal trainer in Truro further demonstrating that disability can be overcome with courage and determination. He is my son but he is also a remarkable man who would make a first rate Torchbearer. His selection would raise the spirits of Epileptics throughout the World.