A young girl from Helston is taking part in a sponsored bike ride to raise funds for a charity which is close to the heart of her best friend from birth.

Eight-year-old Maiah-Rose Pain wants to raise money for the Epilepsy Society after her best friend Isla Temple-North was diagnosed with the condition when she was six years old.

The best friends who both attend St Michaels Primary School were born days apart and have grown up together, forming a ‘beautiful friendship’ along the way.

Falmouth Packet: Maiah-Rose (L) and Isla at a younger ageMaiah-Rose (L) and Isla at a younger age (Image: Kristie Temple)

Epilepsy is a common condition that affects the brain and causes frequent seizures. Seizures are bursts of electrical activity in the brain that temporarily affect how it works.

Epilepsy can start at any age but usually starts in childhood or in people over the age of 60.

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On June 10, Maiah-Rose will get on her bike and cycle ten miles through Penrose. Her parents, Melanie Pain and Simon Powell, have set up a JustGiving page for donations with a £200 target. You can donate at www.justgiving.com/page/maiah-rose

Kristie Temple, co-owner of the recently opened hair and beauty salon GLOW on Meneage Street, told the Packet: “I was so overwhelmed when I received the message from Maiah’s dad (Simon) that she wanted to raise money for epilepsy awareness in support of Isla’s condition.”

Falmouth Packet: The two girls have formed a 'beautiful friendship' The two girls have formed a 'beautiful friendship' (Image: Kristie Temple)

“Maiah and Isla were born literally days apart and have grown up together, forming the most beautiful friendship, so for Maiah to do this, has really touched my heart.

“Isla is incredibly lucky to have such a thoughtful, caring best friend.”

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Maiah’s parents, Melanie and Simon have also spoken about how they feel about her fundraising. They said: “We are so proud of Maiah-Rose for taking part in this fundraising for Epilepsy Society.

“We are fully behind her and hope she will be able to reach her target.

“Thank you for all the donations so far.” 

A post on The Epilepsy Society website explains what the charity does. It reads: “The Epilepsy Society is the UK’s charity which transforms the lives of people with epilepsy through world-leading research, advocacy, and care.

“We put people at the heart of everything we do, and we hope to see the day when epilepsy is irrelevant.”