In summer 2021 I had my first epileptic seizure and left the hospital with the life changing news of a benign brain tumour and epilepsy diagnosis.

At that time I never thought there could be a way out and was left adapting to challenging side effects of epilepsy drugs and the psychological impact of the dramatic circumstances in which my new health conditions were discovered. For another half year I felt I was only half myself, experienced ableism in the workplace and a general sense of fear of being alone. I was later diagnosed with PTSD.

Since my initial experience, having a period of ignoring my diagnosis and later experiencing many other forms of seizure, I took ownership of my diagnosis and feel incredibly passionate about shifting perceptions and behaviour around epilepsy (and in particular, raise awareness of how to support individuals in their time of need). People with epilepsy can live a fulfilling life and often just need a supportive hand to help them through the puzzle of finding the right treatment.

For me, surgery has been a possibility and the tumour causing my epilepsy was safely removed in April 2023 and I hope to be free of epilepsy medication this summer! However, for others, this is lifelong and I am asking those that can to please donate what you can to support my efforts - every penny goes towards Epilepsy Action who do so much to support researchers, patients and loved ones who are striving for better futures for the many 1000’s diagnosed every year.