Ellie had epilepsy, a little understood condition which affects people in many different ways.  Put very, very simply the brain is subject to sudden spikes of electrical activity, which can cause symptoms from mild and momentary 'absences' to severe seizures or convulsions.  To most people who knew her Ellie was an entirely normal and healthy teenager, and the illness was therefore hidden for most of the time.  At the other end of the scale some people suffer many seizures a day and 'normal' life is impossible.  The brain remains one of the most mysterious parts of human physiology and more research is vital if progress is to be made in understanding and treating the condition. 
For this reason, we have chosen Epilepsy Action (EA) to receive donations in memory of Ellie. I have set out below the Vision, Mission and Aims of EA, but please visit their website for full information at www.epilepsy.org.uk :

 

EA Vision - To live in a society where everyone understands epilepsy and where attitudes towards the condition are based on fact not fiction.

EA Mission - To take action to meet the identified needs and aspirations of all people with epilepsy and those with an interest in the condition.

EA Aims -  

- Raise and maintain awareness about epilepsy and about Epilepsy Action’s work.

- Educate people about the facts about epilepsy and improve their understanding of the condition.

- Bring about permanent change for the social and medical benefit of people with epilepsy.

- Provide advice and information about epilepsy that is relevant to peoples’ needs and that is accessible in terms of     location, availability and cost.

- Promote all types of research into epilepsy and undertake non-laboratory social and medical research into          epilepsy.

- Maximise Epilepsy Action’s resources by developing its fundraising activities and income consistent with its          immediate and long term financial needs and using its resources effectively and efficiently.

- Engage with the Education, Healthcare and Social Care sectors to ensure that epilepsy is fully understood and the   needs of people with epilepsy are supported.