Bereaved mum – British 10K Charity Run after son Stuart Powell’s sudden death

Published: 24 June 2010
by TOM FOOT

THE family of a young man who died suddenly from epilepsy are running a 10k race to  help raise funds to find a cure.

Pam McInally, 66, from West Hampstead, is in training with her nephew Warwick Goodall for the British 10K Charity Run on July 11 in aid of the Epilepsy Bereaved charity.

Her son Stuart Powell, a life-long Arsenal fan, died aged 36 in his home in Parliament Hill in 2006 after suffering Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).

Ms McInally said: “He was a kind, caring young man. He cared more about others than himself. 

“The risks of SUDEP and other epilepsy deaths are still not fully acknow­ledged. This means that people with epilepsy are still at risk of dying suddenly, prematurely and unnecessarily.

“We are trying to find a cure and all the money raised will go to research.”

Stuart Powell was found dead in his top floor flat in a Camden council block in Parliament Hill Road. Most sudden deaths in epilepsy affect young adults who are generally in good health. 

Mr Goodall said: “Stewart was an Arsenal fan and I am a Chelsea fan – however we were very close. We often went to football matches together and I miss him dreadfully.”

The charity Epilepsy Bereaved supports people affected by epilepsy deaths, funds research to prevent sudden epilepsy deaths and lobbies for better awareness.

Director Jane Hanna said: “We appreciate the support of Warwick and Pam in assisting us to raise awareness of the fact that three young people die suddenly every day in the UK from epilepsy and over 40 per cent of deaths may be avoidable.”

To donate to the cause visit www.justgiving.com/warwickgoodall and www.justgiving.com/pam-mcinally