May’s Epilepsy Star Award went to Katherine Murphy from Plymouth, for her incredible efforts to help support her 11-year-old daughter, Alana, with epilepsy, as well as the wider epilepsy community. Katherine has been spotlighted by a member of the services team at Epilepsy Action for her determination to provide support, challenge stigma, and educate others, who wanted to ensure her efforts were acknowledged.
William Green, peer support officer at Epilepsy Action, said: “Katherine has gone the extra mile for her daughter and the wider epilepsy community. She has reached out to so many local organisations in her area to raise awareness about epilepsy, reduce the stigma, and make life easier for children with epilepsy.
“Katherine has worked with local hospitals to create an initiative for a quiet bay for recovery, as well as crisis bags for parents when children are rushed to hospital following a seizure. Katherine has been invited to join the local Plymouth Parent Carer Voice panel and Alana has been invited to join the Young Persons Patient Council where they hope to raise the bar when it comes to epilepsy awareness in health settings.
“She has also created a lived experience awareness programme for local schools, which will be launched at the end of the year.
“Katherine is really good at partnering with others to elevate her work. She’s worked with the Independent Plymouth Epilepsy Support Group in her local area as a trustee as well as partnering with Devon and Cornwall Refugee support. Through this, Katherine has been talking to leaders in diverse communities to reduce the challenges and stigma of epilepsy. Katherine is working with the NHS to bring epilepsy education and training into this sector.
“Katherine has recently launched meet ups for families living with epilepsy in her local area, as well as the Purple League, an initiative which hopes to organise football matches in schools to raise awareness for epilepsy.
“Her commitment to supporting people with epilepsy, and changing the narrative surrounding the condition, is above and beyond, and that’s why I feel it is so important that her work is recognised. Katherine and Alana’s Instagram page, Alana’s epilepsy mission, has over 10,000 followers and has helped to educate thousands of people on epilepsy and seizures.”
The power of vulnerability
When asked about Alana’s journey, and receiving the award, Katherine said: “Going from a carefree life to suddenly navigating the complexities of a serious medical condition has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of our lives. No parent wishes a diagnosis for their child, and if I could take this journey away from Alana, I would in a heartbeat. Yet through the challenges, we have found purpose.
“One of the hardest parts of our journey has been the isolation. Living in the South West, support networks and epilepsy communities can feel distant, leaving families to navigate fears, uncertainties, and daily realities largely alone. Wanting to change that, Alana and I began sharing our journey online. What started as raising awareness quickly grew into advocacy, collaboration with healthcare professionals, community initiatives, and the creation of our monthly epilepsy and seizure social meet-up for young purple warriors and their families.
“Receiving the Epilepsy Action Star Award means the world to us. It is recognition not only of our efforts, but of the courage shown by every family living with epilepsy and seizures. This award represents the power of vulnerability, honesty, advocacy, and community, and belongs to all the young purple warriors and their families who face the unseen challenges of epilepsy every single day. Thank you to Epilepsy Action for recognising our small but mighty mission, stronger together.”
Helping countless people
Rebekah Smith, chief executive at Epilepsy Action said: “We’re delighted to give this month’s Epilepsy Star award to Katherine, for her incredible efforts to raise awareness of epilepsy, create safe spaces for other families living with the condition to connect, all whilst supporting her own child’s journey with epilepsy.
“Katherine has gone above and beyond to help support others. Through her work both online and in her local community, she has helped countless people feel less alone. The community she has built shows just how important it is for people affected by epilepsy to have safe spaces where they can connect, share experiences, and support one another.
“At Epilepsy Action, we’re working towards a World Without Limits for people with epilepsy. Katherine’s passion for bringing people together, raising awareness, and helping others feel supported reflects everything we stand for as a charity. We’re thrilled to recognise her dedication and the difference she continues to make with this award.”
