A Pickering man is set to take on a gruelling challenge for charity this Easter.

Michael Oliff, 41, who works for the NHS, will be running across the Cleveland Way, the Yorkshire Wolds Way and the last leg of the Trans Pennine Trail to raise money for The Epilepsy Society.

Michael, who was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2020, has been training for the 215-mile run – even overcoming a seizure last month during his preparation.

Speaking before this, he said: “[Running] is something I’ve been into in the last ten years or so and didn’t want to stop that. In a way, the training is the hard bit because no one sees the amount that goes in… so the training is sometimes harder."

Michael had been travelling into Malton then running back home to Pickering via Flamingo Land but his seizure in March left him briefly unable to train.

However, the 10-day stint across Yorkshire is something that Michael is determined to see through.

He said: “It 100% won’t change anything, I’ll be doing it whatever. It will start on Good Friday. Helmsley is the starting point for the Cleveland Trail and that ends in Filey via Staithes, Whitby & Scarborough. I then pick up the Yorkshire Wolds way, which snakes down to Hessle and finally onto the last part of the Trans Pennine Trail, which finishes in Hornsea.”

Michael has received great support from his friends and family, especially his partner Tracey, and they have helped him to reach £870 of his £1000 fundraising goal already.

After speaking with the Epilepsy Society, Michael says that they need a way to support people who access their service.

The charity is the UK’s leading provider of advocacy, research and care services for people with epilepsy.

He said: “I found a lot of advice about my new condition on their website and I’ve spoken to the team. They need to find a way to further help people, to research and to support.”

“After I was diagnosed with epilepsy, it hit me very hard. I thought it would stop me living a full life. I needed to fight back and change that mindset. I loved running before and didn’t want to stop that. I need to find a way to get through this run. Let’s find a way.”

Michael will start his run on Friday (April 15) and will complete it in Hornsea by Monday, April 25.

To donate to Michael's fundraiser and support the Epilepsy Society, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/michael-oliff5?utm_source=Sharethis&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=michael-oliff5&utm_campaign=pfp-email&utm_term=7310118da72c42efa638b9cf998ac6bd