Susan Evans, stalwart of the Llanelli 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 Susan by Ian Walker, an Epilepsy Action trustee, at the branch meeting on Wednesday 9 March at 6.30pm, at the Caemaen Day Centre, Coleshill Terrace, Llanelli.
Susan, a dedicated member of the Llanelli branch for over 15 years, won the award for her help with epilepsy information days at the hospital and in the town centre. Always reliable, she sells raffle tickets, asks for donations, talks to people about their epilepsy, and keeps a record of the number of visitors. Her epilepsy is poorly controlled but since coming to the branch meetings Susan’s self-confidence has grown.
When she first joined the branch, Susan was very withdrawn and didn’t mix with other people. Once she started taking part in the information days, her confidence grew and her life started to improve. Susan now lives in a warden controlled flat and takes the bus into town almost every day to meet friends for a coffee, or to go shopping.
Ann Sivapatham, Epilepsy Action’s manager for Wales, said: “Susan is always enthusiastic and supportive at branch events. She will stay the whole day to help out, even if she has a seizure. For her support and loyalty, and for the way she has grown personally, I really do think that Susan is worthy of receiving this award.”
Susan Evans said: “When they told me I was both surprised and delighted to have won the award. I enjoy working with Epilepsy Action.”
The Llanelli 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 Llanelli Branch meets on the second Wednesday of the month from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the Caemaen Day Centre, Coleshill Terrace, Llanelli.
If you are interested in joining the branch, please contact Keith on 01554 776 719.
Epilepsy Action is a registered charity which has a network of branches throughout the UK. Last year the organisation directly helped over 845,000 people through its wide range of services, including its Epilepsy Helpline and advice and information centre.