My Story

Will Payne was an alumni of the school where I am privileged to be Headteacher. During his time at the school, and particularly during his sixth form years, Will was a powerful role model to others - he was always the first to volunteer to help with school events, other students or support of staff.

He was incredibly altruistic and regularly led the way in arranging charitable events to raise money for others. Will had epilepsy, but with the support of his family, made sure it was well managed and that he understood the condition. After his success in sixth form, Will enrolled on his dream course at Staffordshire University in September 2024, studying Physical Education and Sports Coaching. Will aspired to being a PE teacher, and had a passion for the good that sport could do in society. Will had worked hard and set himself up for a wonderful, fulfilling life.

In February 2025, I took a call early in the morning from Will’s mum, it is a call I will never forget.

Will had died during his sleep, no warning, no signs. Will’s mum explained sudden unexpected death through epilepsy - I cannot imagine the pain that loved ones feel when they lose someone in this way.

Will would have definitely ran the London Marathon to raise money at some point, and so I would very much like to run it in his memory, raising vital and needed funds for SUDEP Action and the work that they do. Those that know me know that I am unfit, overweight and severely middle aged - this will be no simple task, but it is one I am determined to do as a way of paying my respects to Will. I do hope that you can help me to raise money through sponsorship - every penny counts, of course so do the pounds!

I will keep a training log and provide regular updates, photos and videos over the next 8 months. As well as raising much needed funds, I am keen more than anything to help raise awareness and educate others about how to support people living with epilepsy, and how to support them during a seizure.

Will's life is celebrated at https://willpayne.co.uk/

Thank you in advance for your support!

A little more about SUDEP Action:

SUDEP Action is the only UK charity focused on stopping preventable epilepsy-related deaths. We have the only epilepsy bereavement service freely available to anyone suddenly bereaved by epilepsy (including SUDEP).

By representing the voices of those who have died and who are bereaved, we aim to learn from deaths, and use research, policy and campaigns to raise awareness and take action that helps save lives.

About us

The London Marathon has become an annual, inspiring and colourful fixture in the world’s sporting calendar since the inaugural race on 29 March 1981: a celebration of fun, fundraising and fancy dress.

Over the years more than a million people have completed the 26.2-mile course – which runs from Blackheath to The Mall, with a spectacular finish in front of Buckingham Palace, showcasing the very best that the capital city has to offer.

What’s more, these participants have raised over a billion pounds for charity and there have been countless amazing tales of human achievement throughout the event’s history – living up to its aim of helping participants ‘to have fun, and provide some happiness and sense of achievement in a troubled world’.