Kevin Whittle, stalwart of the Wigan Branch of Epilepsy Action, has won a national award in recognition of his work for the UK’s largest member-led epilepsy charity.
The Epilepsy Action Branch Member of the Year Award will be presented to Kevin by Dr Helen Caswell, an Epilepsy Action trustee. The presentation will take place on Friday 1 June from 7.45pm to 10.00pm, at Tippings Arms, 115 Poolstock Lane, Wigan, Lancashire.
Kevin gave up his job as a bank manager when he was diagnosed with epilepsy. He won the award for dedicating so much time to others by organising regular meetings. Plus, he has organised public awareness and fundraising events, and has lobbied local officials since the branch started in 2004. He has also supported the group’s vulnerable members and made sure they do not feel isolated because of their condition.
Cliff Challenger, Epilepsy Action’s manager for north England, said: “Kevin has been a branch officer since it started. He has always been committed to passing on Epilepsy Action information and campaign news. Without his work, the branch would not continue. He has developed good relationships with local service providers and has campaigned for better epilepsy services in the Wigan area.”
Kevin Whittle said: “I am delighted to win this award. I have thoroughly enjoyed working for the branch and have met lots of different people since I started. I hope Wigan Branch continues to go from strength to strength.”
The Wigan 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.
The branch meets on the first Friday of the month at 8.00pm at Tippings Arms, 115 Poolstock Lane, Wigan, Lancashire. The branch have a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/epilepsyaction#!/EpilepsyActionWigan
If you are interested in joining the branch, please contact Jean on 01942 703 554.
Epilepsy Action is a registered charity which has a network of branches throughout the UK. Last year the organisation directly helped over 1.1 million people through its wide range of services, including its Epilepsy Helpline and advice and information centre.
“ We exist to improve the lives
of everyone affected by epilepsy ”