In 2016, I suffered a tonic clonic seizure whilst hiking on Ben Lawers. The incident had a major impact on my lifestyle and mental health. I had been diagnosed with epilepsy when I was 16, however my education regarding the condition, the risks such as SUDEP as well as the stigma of living with the disorder for the rest of my life hit me hard and the once vibrant, adventurous and fit and healthy Heather became lost in a whirl of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, the beginnings of the terrible side effects of trials of medication and a general feeling of disconnect from my body.

I had a brilliant neuro psychologist who helped me overcome the mental and physical challenges I was experiencing. I had a terrible time of debilitating side effects from medications which luckily through the help and advice of Epilepsy Scotland, I was educated on the medications and rights I was entitled to so that I could make decisions on my own care.

I want to pursue this winter hike mainly to prove I can get back to the hills again, to raise awareness of the condition due to the stigma and social issues we can experience through that. I would also like to prove that being epileptic shouldn't mean having to give up on fitness and being able to pursue sports and mental challenges as we are facing these every day.

Lastly, I recently lost a good friend who also suffered from epilepsy and it was only through a chance discussion that we realised we experienced the same sort of seizures including absences and partial seizures. She was a big support to me and I want to dedicate this challenge to her and all that she fought for in this life.

Epilepsy Scotland works with people living with epilepsy to ensure that their voice is heard. Epilepsy affects 55,000 people in Scotland, we are here for anyone with this common serious neurological condition, their families, carers and employers. We campaign for improved healthcare and an end to stigma, we influence policies that will affect the health, educational and social welfare of people with epilepsy and we provide quality information, support and wellbeing services.