David’s story

This month’s Epilepsy Star Award is awarded to David from Manchester, for his unwavering support of his wife Lauren, who lives with epilepsy.

Lauren nominated David for being her ‘rock’ and says that she couldn’t be where she is today without him. Lauren also praised David for his efforts to raise awareness for epilepsy as a condition, from talking to his family, to starting conversations with people in public. Lauren tells their story below.

“David and I have been together for nine years and have been married for six. I didn’t have epilepsy when I met David, and it came as a big shock to both of us as it appeared from nowhere.”

“I had my first tonic-clonic seizure in November 2023, but I wasn’t officially diagnosed with epilepsy until April 2024. I had several tonic-clonics and focal seizures throughout 2024, but I am now on a more positive path. My medication has brought me some stability, and I am grateful for that every single day.”

“There aren’t really words to describe the support David has shown me throughout this journey. I understand that this condition can break up families and can be difficult to navigate in a relationship. David has to live with the ‘what if she has a seizure’ ,‘what if she falls’, ‘what if I’m not there’, all the time and it takes over his life. Epilepsy doesn’t just affect the person, but everyone around them.

“David has been my absolute rock and I couldn’t be where I am today without him. I know that there is nothing I can do to take away my epilepsy, or change my circumstance, but with the support, love and commitment David gives me, I know that no matter what I will be okay. Epilepsy has dealt me a tough hand, but I am so lucky to have David by my side.

“He sits and talks to me while I have a bath, he checks on me when I’ve gone upstairs to get dressed, he makes sure I’ve taken my medication. When I do come round from a seizure, nine times out of ten his is the first face I see – seeing his face makes me know I’m safe.

“Although David doesn’t have epilepsy, he has pretty much lived life with the condition. He doesn’t have seizure, but he has to watch the person he loves most in the world have these seizures, which is in some ways worse. Being unable to help me, to watch me, wondering if I’m going to come round and live through it… There’s times he’s been scared, he’s cried, he’s felt lost… Yet he still manages to work full time, spend time with the kids, taking them to cricket matches and dance performances, driving me around. Most importantly, he still carries a beautiful smile on his face and has such a positive outlook on life.

“David is more than just an amazing husband – he is an advocate. He educates other people about epilepsy. He tells them what to do if I have a seizure, explains about the aftermath after one and ensures people are aware of seizure first-aid. He speaks to everyone from his 85-year-old nan, to his 11-year-old son, to colleagues, to friends or even people in the pub!

“One occasion that will always stick with me, is when he reached out to my work colleagues and explained to them what to do if I had a seizure in the office. He showed them how to act, how to position me, told them how I would be after the seizure and ensured everyone had his number to contact. He’d often text my colleagues on a regular basis to check I was okay.

“He is an incredible role model, and I am so lucky to have him as my husband.”

“Epilepsy Action have been a big support for me. I’ve contacted them to ask questions and no one is ever judgemental or thinks I’m silly – it’s just support and kindness. The website has been brilliant in helping explain epilepsy to my children, who have all unfortunately witnessed a tonic-clonic seizure. I hope everyone, even those who don’t have epilepsy, takes a look at the amazing support and resources Epilepsy Action can provide.

“David and his friends recently held a Charity Darts night to raise money for Epilepsy Action. 20 local players had a game of 501 against former World Champion Steve Beaton! There was also a fantastic raffle and auction, and the night raised over £1600. Steve only lost two of his games last night and one was against David – this is his latest claim to fame!”

Upon accepting his award, David said: “I’m truly shocked and deeply grateful to receive this award from Epilepsy Action. It has been a really tough journey for both of us since Lauren’s first seizure back in November 2023, but through it all, she has been the true inspiration.

“My wonderful wife faces epilepsy with courage every single day, and this award is really for her. We are so appreciative of the support that Epilepsy Action has provided to us, and to the millions of people who live with epilepsy. Above all, we hold hope that one day a cure can be found.”

Rebekah Smith, Chief Executive at Epilepsy Action said: “We are so pleased to give this month’s Epilepsy Star award to David for the incredible, unwavering support he gives to his wife Lauren. David is a great role model, showing how stepping up for a person with epilepsy, can make a huge difference in their journey and quality of life.

“Not only is David a huge support for Lauren, he is also an advocate for people with epilepsy. We are so inspired by David’s advocacy, talking to his family, colleagues, and even the general public about epilepsy and seizure first-aid. We hope that this will encourage others to do the same, and help us create a World Without Limits for people with epilepsy.”