Irene Beevers, dedicated officer of the Doncaster Branch of Epilepsy Action, has won a national award in recognition of her work for the UK’s largest member-led epilepsy charity.
The Epilepsy Action Branch Member of the Year Award was presented to Irene by Richard Chapman, an Epilepsy Action trustee, at the branch meeting on Tuesday 8 June at 6.30pm, at the Stirling Social Centre, Milton Walk, Hyde Park, Doncaster.
Irene, Chair of the Doncaster Branch, has been active in helping those with epilepsy through her devoted commitment to Epilepsy Action and its work for 16 years. The branch has a record of fundraising for alarms to alert carers to night-time seizures. Irene has been instrumental in making sure the branch organises a sponsored walk every year in May, since its inception. She has also organised advice and information events, increasing local knowledge of epilepsy and its effects. Irene is in for a double celebration during June. She celebrates her Golden Wedding anniversary on 2 June.
Cliff Challenger, Epilepsy Action’s regional service manager, said: “Irene has ensured that the Doncaster Branch is one of the longest running branches in the north of England. She is a great Chair and has completely revitalised the branch during 2009. Between 14 and 30 people have been attending regularly since March 2009. The branch would not exist without Irene’s commitment. She really cares about supporting anyone affected by epilepsy and is an asset to Epilepsy Action as a volunteer.”
Irene Beevers said: “I was delighted to receive this prestigious award. It continues to be a pleasure helping to raise awareness of epilepsy within the local community. Over the last eight years, I have met some great people. I am very proud of the hard work of the branch members and everybody’s support.”
The Doncaster Branch meetings are open to anyone with an interest in epilepsy. There are opportunities to access detailed information about living with the condition and to learn how to get involved in raising epilepsy awareness in the area. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at 6.30pm at the Stirling Social Centre, Milton Walk, Hyde Park, Doncaster
If you are interested in attending a branch meeting, please contact Cliff Challenger on 01274 640064 (mobile: 07843 359714), or alternatively email cchallenger@epilepsy.org.uk
Epilepsy Action is a registered charity and has a network of branches throughout the UK. Last year the organisation directly helped over 731,000 people through its wide range of services, including its Epilepsy Helpline and advice and information centre.