This year's Epilepsy Action Award has been presented to 13-year-old Simon Cooper, from Shrewsbury. This is in recognition of the outstanding help and support he has given to his sister, Katherine, who has epilepsy. Simon, who has autism, has overcome his own communication difficulties on several occasions to help Katherine when she has a seizure.
The prestigious Epilepsy Action Award was set up to recognise outstanding contributions made to the world of epilepsy. It provides the opportunity for people affected by the condition to nominate someone they feel is helping to improve the lives of people with epilepsy.
Simon was nominated by his sister, Katherine Foster, 24. Katherine is an Epilepsy Action member and put Simon forward for this award to recognise all the help and support he has given her.
Katherine said: "I was diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy when I was 16 and still have seizures frequently. On several occasions Simon has helped me when I have had a seizure. The fact he has autism makes communication difficult for him, yet he never panics and always stays calm.
"When I had a seizure at Simon's school football match a few years ago, he went into the nearest shop to get help. Normally it is very hard for him to even look at strangers, let alone speak to them. I am so grateful to Simon for all his support and I am really proud he has won this award."
Mike Harnor, chair of Epilepsy Action's trustees presented the award at the Personalised Learning Centre at The Grange School. Mike said: "It's a pleasure to present the award to someone as deserving as Simon. I really enjoyed meeting Simon and his family."
Epilepsy Action is the UK's largest member-led epilepsy organisation. Last year alone, the organisation directly helped over 685,500 people through a range of services. These include its Epilepsy Helpline, advice and information centre, and branch network.
To find out more about the work of Epilepsy Action, visit www.epilepsy.org.uk For advice and information about epilepsy, call the Epilepsy Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050.