Volunteer to walk 26 miles past 26 churches for Epilepsy Scotland (2025)

Naomi Tyre from East Kilbride is set for the challenge this week.

In a remarkable show of strength and commitment, Naomi Tyre from East Kilbride is gearing up for a 26-mile walk on International Epilepsy Awareness Day to raise funds and awareness for Epilepsy Scotland.

The 35-year-old will kick off her Purple Day journey bright and early at 9.15am on, Wednesday, March 26,from Calton Parkhead Parish Church, trekking past 26 landmark churches along the way, and wrapping up her adventure at Moncrieff Parish Church in East Kilbride. She has set herself the goal of completing the challenging route in under nine hours.

As a devoted volunteer for Epilepsy Scotland, Naomi knows first-hand the impact of epilepsy, having been diagnosed with the condition in her 20s.

She said: “It’s a condition that has affected everything. I became very withdrawn for a long time because I never knew when a seizure might occur, and the side effects of medication made me seem like I was constantly drunk.”

She continued: “I always felt a sense of embarrassment. When the time came to become a mum, pregnancy was very difficult. There was always the guilt to deal with if I had a seizure. When my children were small, I felt like I just wasn’t good enough. I was scared to hold my children in case of a seizure and I hurt them.”

As Purple Day is on the 26th of the month, Naomi decided that an appropriate distance for the walk would be 26 miles linking 26 churches as milestones along the way. During the trek, Naomi aims to raise awareness of epilepsy and will be distributing educational materials to those she passes on her way.

She added: “I’ve done different challenges throughout the years, so this is something a bit different for me.”

Since its inception in 2008 by nine-year-old Cassidy Megan from Canada, Purple Day has blossomed into a global initiative aimed at breaking down the stigma and misunderstandings surrounding epilepsy. This year, to mark the day, more than 40 iconic Scottish landmarks will be lit up in vibrant purple.

Jane Roberts, fundraising manager at Epilepsy Scotland, expressed support for Naomi’s challenge: “We would like to wish Naomi the best of luck as she takes on this mammoth walk for Purple Day. Naomi has been a valued volunteer and fundraiser for Epilepsy Scotland over the years and we will be cheering her on every step of the way. We would love for people to pop out and support her on the route as she takes on this incredible challenge.”

Naomi’s complete route can be found on the Epilepsy Scotland website at www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk/purpledaychallenge/

Epilepsy Scotland are encouraging communities across Scotland to participate in purple-themed fundraising activities to continue providing vital, personalised support services to individuals living with epilepsy. Whether you take on a sponsored walk, wear something purple or host a bake sale, the fundraising team are here to support you. Get in touch with the team by emailing fundraising@epilepsyscotland.org.uk to get started.

To find out more about Purple Day visit www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk/purple-day

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