Jill McNaughton, aged 46

The word epilepsy has a power beyond belief.

When I was diagnosed eleven years ago, my life changed completely.

I now had something shameful, something to be kept secret, something not mentioned, let alone discussed. I was alone with this thing and very frightened. I lost my job and there was no one to talk to. The only “advice” I got was a nurse who casually informed me that having children was now obviously out of the question; a woman with epilepsy would not be allowed to look after a baby. I believed her.

Thankfully some progress has been made, but myths still abound. My hope is the British Epilepsy Association’s vision – acceptance and understanding, fact not fiction.