My journey with epilepsy started in July 2022 when I was diagnosed with left temporal lobe epilepsy, following 2 tonic clonic seizures and countless partial seizures (although I didn't know what these were at the time). After my diagnosis, I had a really hard time both mentally and physically as I didn't know what any of it meant and had an overwhelming fear of "what if" whenever I was alone or wanted to do anything. I struggled to open up to my family and had no idea how to explain things to my son who was 8 at the time and had witnessed my 2nd tonic clonic seizure but refused to talk to anyone about it.

I turned to the Internet for help and came across the Just For Kids section on the Epilepsy Action website, which provided valuable information explaining things in understandable terms for my son. This included a story called "My Dad has epilepsy" that explained what epilepsy was and how to help in the event of a seizure, this information will also be vital when explaining to my daughter who is currently 4 in the the near future. I was also able to use resources on the website to learn more about my diagnosis but most importantly, I found talk and support groups which helped me open up to family about how I was struggling coming to terms with my diagnosis.

I'm fundraising for Epilepsy Action to help them continue the fantastic work they do and the vital support they offer. By completing this challenge, I also want to raise as much awareness for epilepsy as possible as I feel it flies under the radar but affects more people than you think and is not just about flashing lights like a lot of people think.

Epilepsy Action is the UK’s biggest community of people who want a better future for those affected by epilepsy. The charity offers free vital services such as their Freephone helpline, website, local Talk and Support groups around the UK, e-learning courses, and their Befriending service. The charity’s freephone helpline is a vital service, with trained advisors who provide much-needed advice and support.