Volunteers from Epilepsy Action’s Stockton branch will be helping to bring epilepsy “Out in the Open” for this years National Epilepsy Week (18-25 May) by holding a number of events.
To kick start the week members of the public are invited to take part in a two mile walk on Sunday May 18, around Stewart Park in Middlesbrough. The walk starts at 12@30pm and is one of many such events happening throughout the UK to celebrate National Epilepsy Week. Nationwide, thousands of people will be taking part in “Out in the Open” sponsored walks to raise vital funds for Epilepsy Action, the UK’s largest member-led epilepsy organisation.
Bob Dennis, regional services manager for north east England said: “This event is open to all regardless of whether you have epilepsy and we hope a fun day will be had by all. Some of the branch members will even be wearing fancy dress and adopting a super hero theme for the day!”
During the week the Stockton branch will also be holding three advice and information days throughout the region for anyone with an interest in epilepsy. The events will be held in the Billingham Market place, Billingham on Monday May 19 and at Castlegate Shopping Centre, Stockton on Saturday May 24 from 10:30am until 4:00pm.
There will also be a meeting at James Cook Hospital on Tuesday May 20 from 10:00am-4:00pm. The aim of the friendly and informal days is to provide advice and information on epilepsy and to raise awareness of the support available for people in the Stockton on Tees area. -
During Tuesday’s meeting delegates will have the opportunity to talk to a number of specialists including Maureen Pearce, an epilepsy specialist nurse at the hospital. Maureen’s talk will particularly focus on medicine reviews and investigations.
Bob continued: “The events are open to anyone with an interest in epilepsy and will be an ideal opportunity for people with epilepsy, their families, carers and friends to come along and learn more. There will be plenty of useful information for delegates to take away.“
Anyone who would like to attend any of the events or become involved with a local branch, should contact Bob Dennis for further information on 0191 2845892.
Last year alone, Epilepsy Action directly helped over 731,000 people through a range of services, including its Epilepsy Helpline, advice and information centre and branch network. For further information about the charity’s work, please visit www.epilepsy.org.uk. For advice and information on epilepsy, call the Epilepsy Helpline freephone on 0808 800 5050 which is available Monday-Friday, 9.00 am – 4.30 pm (4.00 pm on Fridays).