Professional rugby union player Tommy Freeman is presenting Epilepsy Action’ BBC Radio 4 Appeal, airing today (25 May).
The Radio 4 Appeal is a weekly programme which champions the work of a charity and appeals for donations on their behalf.
Tommy, who has epilepsy himself, went to Broadcasting House in London with members of the Epilepsy Action team in April to record the appeal.
He shared his own experiences with epilepsy and why he wants people to support Epilepsy Action.
“A pretty dark and lonely place”
Tommy first started having seizures at 14 years old and was diagnosed with epilepsy at 19. The diagnosis left Tommy with a lot of questions and uncertainties.
He said: “When I first started noticing these absence seizures, I thought it as just like the kind of daydream that anyone else has. When my mum noticed it along with my teachers, I think it was hard for me to accept, because I just felt like a normal kid having these staring phases.”
The diagnosis put under question whether Tommy could continue to play rugby.
“It was the first thing I asked [after being diagnosed] – can I carry on doing what I love to do? Because first and foremost health’s wealth and that’s what you need to prioritise.
“It was a pretty dark and lonely place, and trying to explain that to your mates who think there’s nothing wrong with you was hard as well.
“I just wanted to carry on being the kid I was, the active little sportsperson I was and do what I love to do.
“The [lack of] independence was the hardest thing. Being able to have two years of driving to then suddenly having it stripped all away was really difficult.”
“Don’t hesitate”
For Tommy, Epilepsy Action is doing important work that he would have benefitted from when he was first facing these questions.
“I think Epilepsy Action is a brilliant charity. Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone to those guys, because they will do a lot for you and answer some of the questions when you do feel a bit lonely and in the dark.”
This year, Tommy became the first England player to score a try in all five games of a single Six Nations Championship.
The Radio 4 Appeal will air throughout the week starting 25 May.
You can see more about the appeal and donate on the BBC Radio 4 website.