There are about 600,000 people in the UK living with epilepsy, averaging nearly 1 in every 100 people. Here in Shrewsbury, we are organising some fundraising events on Sunday 26th of March – National Epilepsy Awareness Day, to help raise money and awareness of those suffering with epilepsy. We are holding a ‘Purple Walk’ starting from the Quarry and a ‘Purple Pursuit – Scavenger Hunt’ – see below for details. There will be several volunteers at the Quarry throughout the event to welcome you and provide information on behalf of the Epilepsy Society

Fundraising Events taking place in Shrewsbury:

Note: When attending the events, we encourage you to wear or carry something purple if possible.

Event 1 Purple Walk:

Join us for a short 2-3 mile walk alongside the river in Shrewsbury. Starting from the bandstand in the Quarry, the route explores some of the highlights within the historic market town, enjoying long stretches of the banks of the River Severn.

• Date: Sunday 26th March 2023

• Time: 10:30am, to leave no later than 10.45am

• Finish 12:00 noon

• Meet point: The Quarry – Bandstand next to the Dingle

• Please wear comfortable footwear and bring warm clothes and a waterproof jacket in case it rains. Bring plenty of water and a snack if needed.

• Leisurely walk suitable for everyone

• Parking: Nearest parking is St Julian’s Car Park or Frankwell Car Park

Event 2: Purple Pursuit – Scavenger Hunt

The Purple Pursuit – Scavenger Hunt is a team challenge where people will be put into groups (unless you have your own group), and given two hours to walk around Shrewsbury town centre identifying and taking photos of any purple objects, items, landmarks or even people. The group is asked to take the photo as an entire team with their purple item, place or person.

A number of local businesses will be assisting by having purple themes (items, decoration) in their windows, so there will be plenty of things for you to find. The winning team will be the one that has found the most purple in the town, with their photos to proof it. The winning team will get to choose from a selection of donated prizes, kindly donated to us by local businesses.

• Date: Sunday 26th March 2023

• Arrive at 12:00

• Start of Activity 12:15 and finish 2:30pm with the winning team announced at 2.40pm

• Meet point: The Quarry – Bandstand next to the Dingle

• Please wear comfortable footwear and bring warm clothes and a waterproof jacket in case it rains. Bring plenty of water and a snack if needed.

• Leisurely pace suitable for everyone

• Parking: Nearest parking is St Julian’s Car Park or Frankwell Car Park

• Registration through Outwood Social Shropshire Group – new members welcome. A contribution of £3.50 per person to be donated to the Epilepsy Society. To sign up visit

https://www.meetup.com/outwood-social-shropshire/

https://www.facebook.com/OutwoodSocial/

https://www.instagram.com/outwood_social/

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a common, neurological condition that affects the brain, causing recurring epileptic seizures. Anyone can have a seizure; this does not mean that they have epilepsy. But it’s usually considered to be epilepsy when the person has multiple seizures. Various treatments exist for helping to control seizures, however despite this, approximately a third of people with epilepsy continue to experience them. There are over 40 different types of seizures.

Sometimes epilepsy can be hard to come to terms with. Some people feel relieved to be given a name and treatment for their condition. Sometimes epilepsy can be hard to come to terms with. Talking about any worries, asking questions and sharing information about epilepsy may help you, or your family and friends, to make sense of what is happening.

There is a need to raise more awareness about the condition, offer support to those that may need it and to provide information on seizure first aid training, which could save lives.

Here are the link for First aid advice:

https://epilepsysociety.org.uk/about-epilepsy/first-aid-epileptic-seizures

https://epilepsysociety.org.uk/about-epilepsy/first-aid-epileptic- seizures/first-aid-quick-guide

Support:

For more information and support please see the following contact details below:

https://epilepsysociety.org.uk

https://www.shropshireepilepsysupport.com/

Epilepsy helpline

Call our helpline on 01494 601 400