A FATHER is taking his campaign to raise funds for an epilepsy charity all the way to the top.

Alexander Woodward, whose son Charlie suffers from a rare form of the condition, will be visiting 10 Downing Street to promote his latest fundraising efforts.

A number of Premiership football clubs including Manchester United, Aston Villa and Chelsea have donated signed shirts to be auctioned off by Mr Woodward, of Bridport, in aid of Epilepsy Research.

The devoted dad has received a number of letters of support from Prime Minister David Cameron, whose son Ivan died from the same condition that Charlie suffers from.

Mr Woodward said: “I’m really grateful to the football clubs for donating the shirts because I know they get a lot of requests and they can’t help everyone.

“I wanted to go to Downing Street and get a photo done there with the shirts to help spread the word so hopefully we will get some high bids and raise as much as possible.

“David and Samantha Cameron have sent me and Charlie’s mum some really nice, supportive letters. They know what it’s like to go through this.”

Charlie suffers from Ohtahara Syndrome, a rare and sometimes fatal type of epilepsy which means he has fits and has almost died four times in his short life.

Mr Woodward shares the care of his son with Charlie’s mum Samantha Scadding. He added: “I chose Epilepsy Research because David Cameron is a trustee and also because they are one of the only ones to focus on research into cures.

“I know it could be twenty years or more before they find a cure for what Charlie has, so it will be too late for him. But if it can help other parents who have a son with the same condition then it will all be worth it.”

Mr Cameron will not be able to meet Mr Woodward when he visits Downing Street on Thursday, May 22 because of other commitments, but West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin, who has also been ‘hugely supportive’ of the campaign, will be there.

  • Mr Woodward will also be taking part in the challenging Marathon des Sables in 2015.
    He will be raising money again for Epilepsy Research but also Charlie’s school Mountjoy, where he is a parent governor.

    Dubbed ‘the toughest footrace in the world’, competitors traverse 156 miles in six days in the Sahara Desert. You have to self-sufficient and carry with you on your back everything except water that you need to survive.