Ann and Jonny Maxwell have wrestled with 16-year-old Muir’s severe epilepsy since he was four months old, with little help and no one to turn to. In 2003, recognising this lack of support for children and their carers, they established The Muir Maxwell Trust.

 Epilepsy is defined as a neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

 The Muir Maxwell Trust, a paediatric epilepsy charity based in Musselburgh, Edinburgh, aims to make a difference by providing children and their carers with practical support and by speeding up what can be a frustratingly slow diagnostic process.

 There are more than 70,000 children with epilepsy in the UK; of which around 30,000 have uncontrolled epilepsy and 15,000 are chronic sufferers. Children with difficult epilepsy can have learning difficulties, behavioural problems and in extreme cases severe developmental delay, basic skills we take for granted, such as learning to walk. Caring for a child with complex epilepsy is challenging, requiring twenty four hour care. The risk of death of a child with epilepsy whilst sleeping is significant, therefore constant sleep deprivation for parents is normal. The strain on the family is immense and many do not survive as a family unit.

In most cases, families have no one to turn to for help – such is the level of care in this country for the oldest disease known to man.

From small beginnings in Ann’s study in their Edinburgh home, the Trust has emerged as one of the UK’s leading charities supporting paediatric epilepsy. In just five years, it has raised over £7m for child sufferers; however, we aim to make you all more aware of the Muir Maxwell Trust and all its endeavours to assist those suffering from epilepsy.

Ann Maxwell’s formula dictates a new theme every time. But the key to success is the message which is conveyed in a way that captures the imagination. Living the life of a real family coping with childhood epilepsy, Ann’s story is expressed from the heart. The message is simple:

·          Epilepsy is the oldest condition known to man and in this, the 21st Century; it is also one of the most under resourced.

 ·         Misunderstood, it neglects the children first and the adults with complex epilepsy are simply the consequence of that negligence.

During a Liberal Studies period in November 2013, Ann Maxwell paid a visit to the Sixth Year. We were both humbled by her boundless energy and her ability to keep going in times of trouble and strife. It was therefore an easy decision to choose to support the very worthwhile charity that is the Muir Maxwell Trust.

·         Monday is house pride day. Show your loyalty to your house by wearing coloured tattoo transfers and face paint, available in The Stand @ Break and Lunch.

·         On Tuesday, we will be offering you the chance to take part in a pancake themed day. Come to the Small Gym @ 1:15 to test your pancake skills and find out who will be crowned Flipper Extraordinaire. Otherwise, pop in to taste the delicious pancakes on offer.

·         Wednesday will play host to a Battle of the Bands right here in the Assembly Hall @ 1:15. Acts from all over the globe will be performing and Quantative Pleasing have cut short their North American Tour just to feature in the star-studded line-up.

·         On Thursday, come to the Assembly Hall @ 1:15 to indulge in the comedic talents of Moore House, directed and produced by the mighty Graham Callison.

·         The week will be rounded off with a dodgeball tournament in the Games Hall @ 1:15. Form a team of 8, and find out which team will be crowned dodgeball champions of Anniesland.

In addition, tickets will be sold at break and lunch for the raffle. Prizes include this beautifully signed Celtic top, this Rangers top and Amazon Kindle ………………

Every day at break come along and add your handprint to our Muir Maxwell charity wall as we want to try and encourage everyone in the school community to take part, including teachers to show your support of the Muir Maxwell Trust. Since our week falls around Valentine’s Day, we will be selling personalised love heart cookies, which can be delivered to your beloved by the one and only Michael Muir aka The Love Guru.

 

Finally, we hope that you enjoy the week we have planned for you whilst digging deep to support a very worthwhile cause. Thank you. 

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