Claire's challenge to help epilepsy charity

Claire Simms will be taking the ‘Sober for October’ challenge in aid of Epilepsy Research.

Claire will be undertaking this 31-day challenge in memory of her best friend, Nicole Danielle McCrindle.

Nicole, who had epilepsy, passed away in August 2006.

Speaking to the Times, Claire said: “With it being 10 years since Nicole passed away, I wanted to raise funds in her memory to help other people who have epilepsy.

“Everyone who knows me, knows that I enjoy a few drinks with friends. It will be tough at the start, but I know that it is for a worthy cause and doing it in Nicole’s memory will spur me on.”

Claire and Nicole met around the age of 10 in the Grange Estate in Ballyclare and became best friends.

“Claire explained: “I never thought I could do something like this, but I want Nicole’s memory to live on.

“ I’d like to raise as much as I can to help people to manage the condition and also to contribute to trying to find a cure for it.”

Claire said that she will enjoy raising money for the charity, with every penny raised going to Epilepsy Research.

She added: “I have received a lot of positive feedback from people since I said I was going to raise funds in Nicole’s memory. Nicole’s mum said she was really proud of me deciding to do the fundraising. I just want to do Nicole and her family proud.”

Claire has set up an online donation page which will remain open until the end of October.

She said: “I’ve set the target on the charity page of £500. I don’t care how much I raise in the end as long as it benefits the charity and it will be an achievement for me. All donations will be greatly received.”

If you would like to make a donation to Epilepsy Research on behalf of Claire’s charity challenge, go to www.gofundme.com/2q9cwhw