A Llandudno man has been elected as a trustee of Epilepsy Action, the UK’s largest member-led epilepsy charity.
Ian Walker was elected to Epilepsy Action's Council of Management on 20 July at the charity's annual general meeting. As a Council member, Ian is responsible, along with 15 other members, for determining the policies of Epilepsy Action. Council members are also collectively responsible for overseeing the management of the charity.
Ian has supported the work of Epilepsy Action for many years. He is a member of Epilepsy Action's Advisory Panel for Wales and was Chairman of the Conwy and District Branch of Epilepsy Action for several years.
Ian, who runs his own IT consultancy, said: “I first came across Epilepsy Action in 1995 when, at that time, what we needed most was information. Epilepsy Action came to the rescue. My eldest son was diagnosed with epilepsy following a series of seizures. My interest grew further when, in 1999, my daughter suffered some post-stroke seizures and, in 2005, when she was diagnosed with epilepsy. More recently, in 2009, my 76 year-old father was diagnosed with epilepsy following a stroke.
“I became involved with Epilepsy Action in 2001, at a sponsored walk organised by a local branch in North Wales. I hope I have played a small part in helping some of them come to fruition through awareness raising and campaigning for better services in Wales.
“I hope that my mix of experience will be useful in helping drive Epilepsy Action forwards towards achieving more for people with epilepsy, their families and carers.”
Phil Lee, chief executive at Epilepsy Action, said: “Ian has worked hard to support people affected by epilepsy over several years. We are delighted that he has been appointed to our Council of Management.”
Epilepsy is the most common serious neurological condition in the UK and affects around 22,000 people in Wales. Last year alone, Epilepsy Action provides a variety of services to support people with epilepsy. These include its advice and information service, Sapphire Nurse Scheme and Epilepsy Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050. For more information about Epilepsy Action, visit www.epilepsy.org.uk