Janet Boxall, stalwart of the Salisbury 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 will be presented to Janet on Wednesday 11 May at 6.30pm, at St Thomas’ House, St Thomas’ Square, Salisbury. Richard Chapman, an Epilepsy Action trustee, will make the presentation.
Janet, a dedicated member of the Salisbury Branch, has been a fantastic volunteer since the branch was developed in 2009. She helps and supports her daughter Kat, who has epilepsy. She works tirelessly to promote not only the branch but Epilepsy Action as a national organisation.
After undertaking the role of treasurer in 2010, Janet has been instrumental in the organisation of fundraising activities and branch events in social and formal settings. Through her efforts, the Salisbury Branch have been represented at every event in the region during 2010.
Jill Brazier, the current Chair of the branch, said: “I have only known Janet for a couple of years, but in that time I have come to respect and admire her unfailing enthusiasm and hard work for the members of the Salisbury Branch as well as for the wider organisation, Epilepsy Action. Janet always comes up with good ideas, she cares about everyone and makes visitors feel really welcome. She remembers everyone’s birthdays and is frighteningly able and efficient when it comes to paperwork! Janet thoroughly deserves to be nominated for this award!”
Janet said: “I enjoy my work for the branch, and being with our branch members. It is really rewarding when you see the group come together for events. They really blossom, and come out of themselves. I also think that the branch has provided a great opportunity for my daughter and I to learn more about epilepsy. She found it difficult to talk about her condition at first, but now she is more open I feel we are much closer.”
The Salisbury 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 Salisbury Branch meets on the second Wednesday of the month from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at St Thomas's House, St Thomas's Square, Salisbury.
If you are interested in joining the branch, please contact Jill on 01722 710047.
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.