A Bradford mum will run the Epilepsy Action 10k road race to raise awareness of a condition she was diagnosed with three years ago.

For several years Ayla Maslin, 22, has suffered from “absences” – a temporary loss of concentration she described as being “...like an out of body experience”.

She said: “I knew something strange was happening but I didn’t know what it was. I knew I couldn’t control it but I didn’t think it was epilepsy.”

After seeing several doctors she was eventually diagnosed with epilepsy when she was pregnant with her daughter Cassandra.

She is now taking medication but still has absences almost every day.

Mrs Maslin, of Fairweather Green, added: “My poor husband has to repeat himself several times, I forget pretty much everything. He is very patient with me, as much as he can be.”

She said her dream job had been to drive an HGV or a taxi, but because of her condition she is unable to drive.

“It’s heartbreaking. I absolutely loved driving,” she said.

Mrs Maslin will take part in the Epilepsy Action 10k run on Sunday, March 20, because she wants to raise money for the Yeadon-based national charity to help them raise awareness of the condition.

“I e-mail Epilepsy Action regularly with questions,” she said. “They are a really big help to us.”

The fourth annual race will take the same route as last year – it will start and finish in Centenary Square, heading down Canal Road towards Frizinghall and back.

The race costs £16 to enter or £14 for members of UK Athletics affiliated clubs.

There will be prizes for men and women who come first, second and third, and for the winners of veterans’ categories.

Anyone who wants to take part in the run can e-mail events@epilepsy.org.uk, or phone (0113) 210 8800.