Epilepsy charity founder honoured by the Queen

Jane Hanna, director of the charity Epilepsy Bereaved, has been honoured by The Queen in this year’s Birthday Honour’s List.  The Queen has made Jane a member of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

Jane’s partner, who had epilepsy, died unexpectedly.  This led Jane to become one of five people who founded Epilepsy Bereaved in 1995. The organisation works to prevent unnecessary deaths from SUDEP (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy) and other epilepsy deaths.

Jane said:

"This award is a wonderful public recognition of the importance of the SUDEP cause.  I am proud to accept it on behalf of the many people I have worked with over the years for whom the cause of awareness and prevention of SUDEP is paramount. At the core of our work are the bereaved families, many of whom are truly inspiring in their courage and support of the charity."

Epilepsy Action’s chief executive, Philip Lee, said

"Jane’s award of an OBE is a wonderful recognition of her outstanding contribution to improving the lives of people who are affected by epilepsy. Through Epilepsy Bereaved, Jane's tireless work has not just supported and comforted families who have lost loved ones. Her efforts to bring epilepsy related death and especially SUDEP 'out of the shadows' has undoubtedly changed peoples' thinking, helped to improve epilepsy services and fundamentally has saved lives as a result."