A Kingswinford gym has been awarded an Epilepsy Action Gold Award for its support of a gym member who has epilepsy. Missfits Ladies Health Club, on Market Street, was presented with its award last week (Wednesday 23 March) after being nominated by member Sue Leedham.
The Epilepsy Action Gold Awards aim to recognise outstanding contributions made to improving the lives of people with epilepsy. Missfits has been chosen as a winner because of its work in supporting Sue, who has epilepsy, when she uses the gym and attends exercise classes.
Staff at Missfits have always looked after Sue when she has a seizure during her gym sessions. They are very friendly, relaxed and efficient in dealing with Sue’s epilepsy and know exactly what to do if she has a seizure. They also know how to explain her condition to other members.
Sue says: “My epilepsy was really getting me down. I couldn't go anywhere without my husband and I desperately wanted some independence back. So I decided to enquire about joining a gym, with my GP’s approval.
“Each time I go to Missfits, I'm treated on a very friendly one to one basis. I explained what happens when I have a seizure and the staff are totally relaxed and efficient about dealing with me. They look out for me and check I am okay, but still push me. Going to the gym has made me trimmer, given me more energy and made me much healthier as well as doing wonders for my self esteem. The staff at the gym will not be forgotten for the help and support they give and I’m delighted they have been presented with an Epilepsy Action Gold Award.”
Alison Little at Missfits, said: “We are delighted to receive this Epilepsy Action Gold Award. There’s no reason why anyone with a health condition should not be able to keep fit or attend exercise classes. We’re glad to hear that gym members feel well supported at Missfits.”
Epilepsy affects one in every 131 people in the UK alone and 75 people are diagnosed with the condition every day. Last year Epilepsy Action directly helped over 845,000 people through a range of services. These include its Epilepsy Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050, branch network, specialist nurse scheme and award-winning website, www.epilepsy.org.uk
For more information about Epilepsy Action and the Gold Awards, visit www.epilepsy.org.uk For more information about Missfits, Kingswinford, call 01384 293 961.