A Kidsgrove man has been elected as a trustee of Epilepsy Action, the UK’s largest member-led epilepsy charity.
John Bostock was elected to the Epilepsy Action's Council of Management on 13 June at the charity's annual general meeting. As a Council member, John 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.
John, who won a Hero of the NHS Award for services to epilepsy in 2006, said: "I developed epilepsy in 1993. At that time there was nothing in the Stoke area for people with epilepsy. No branch, no-one to contact, not even an epilepsy nurse to talk too. Something was needed, so with the help and support of a few others, the Stoke-on-Trent Branch of Epilepsy Action was started in 1995.
"I was the branch Treasurer for six years and have been Chairman for the last eight years. I am an Accredited Volunteer for Epilepsy Action and this work has given me a great opportunity to reach out to others. I am also a member of the Epilepsy Action West Midlands forum.
"The reason for my work and involvement in epilepsy is to ensure that people have somewhere to turn to when they face the same problems I did when I was first diagnosed. I had nowhere to go so my aim is just the same as the founders of Epilepsy Action - that help should be there for people who need it."
Phil Lee, chief executive at Epilepsy Action, said: "John has worked tirelessly to support people affected by epilepsy over the years. We are delighted that he has been elected to our Council of Management."
Epilepsy is the most common serious neurological condition in the UK, affecting around 456,000 people. Last year alone, Epilepsy Action directly helped more than 686,500 people through a range of services. These include its advice and information centre and Epilepsy Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050. For further information about the work of Epilepsy Action, visit www.epilepsy.org.uk