Twelve epilepsy specialist nurses have received an ESN Hero award for their region from Epilepsy Action, celebrating the outstanding care and support they show their patients, going above and beyond to support people affected by epilepsy.
The awards also champion this vital role in the neurology team, essential for the smooth running of an epilepsy clinic and helping patients with any questions, changes and to manage everyday life with epilepsy.
Maisie Meegan, engagement coordinator at Epilepsy Action, said: “Congratulations to all the winners! It’s been great to read through so many nominations recognising the incredible work of ESNs across the UK.
“Their support for people with epilepsy is invaluable, and yet there are still too few ESN roles across the country for the 630,000 people living with epilepsy.
“We hope the awards help to highlight why ESNs are an essential and invaluable part of the neurology team.”
And the ESN Hero regional winners are…
South West – “If patients feel heard, supported and empowered, then I have done my job”
Sarah Clifford, neurology advanced clinical practitioner at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Sarah also scooped the National UK ESN Hero award with numerous nominations championing her kindness, compassion and support, and always making time for her patients.
Read the full National UK ESN Hero Award story.
South East – “I would love to see all patients with epilepsy have access to an ESN”
Michelle Knight, lead epilepsy specialist nurse, Dorset Epilepsy Service, University Hospitals Dorset.
“She sees me as a whole person, not just a medical condition, helping me navigate the challenges of epilepsy. She does more than just listen. She answers questions over the phone and provides reassurance when it matters most.”
On receiving the award, Michelle said: “It was a lovely surprise to be told that I had won the Regional ESN Hero award. I feel extremely humbled by the kind words said about me.
“I am lucky to have a good team to work with to improve the lives of patients with epilepsy.
“ESN numbers remain low in many areas and it is essential to raise our profile nationally. Epilepsy is such a complex condition with many challenges for patients affecting all areas of their lives.
“I would love to see future developments so that all patients with epilepsy have access to an ESN, regardless of where they live.”
East of England – “Every patient has a unique story”
Elaine Westall, epilepsy clinical nurse specialist at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Broomfield Hospital.
“She is always available to support me and to advise me via email and has been the most supportive health professional since my diagnosis in May 2025.”
Elaine said: “I was genuinely surprised and delighted to be awarded this honour for a second year running! Knowing that a patient took the time to nominate me and share their experience was incredibly moving.
“The most rewarding aspect of being an ESN is building relationships with patients and seeing the positive difference that support, advice and effective management can make to their confidence, wellbeing and independence.
“Every patient has a unique story and it is a privilege to be part of their journey.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication of my colleague Nani Gilgunn, who I have the privilege to work with. I particularly appreciate her support and specialist input with those people who have an intellectual impairment (LD) and epilepsy.”
Midlands – “I don’t underestimate how lucky I am”
Julie Day, clinical nurse specialist neurology (epilepsy), Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust.
“I have never felt rushed, and I always feel listened to, which is pivotal to good quality care.”
“I always feel that my care has improved when seeing her.”
Julie said: “I was so touched that a patient took the time to nominate me for this award. I have always tried my best to support patients to achieve the best possible outcomes.
“Working as an ESN is really a privilege for me, it gives me the opportunity to work with autonomy as well as being part of a skilled and supportive team.
“I don’t underestimate how lucky I am – I learn every day from patients and colleagues, and we never stop trying to make things better for our patients.”
Yorkshire & the Humber – “It is a privilege to care and support those with epilepsy”
Jo Geldard, Elizabeth Wright and Abbie Wigley, adult epilepsy specialist nurses, Leeds General Infirmary.
“Jo has been there since I was a child and supported me in everything I have done. I cannot thank her and Liz enough.”
“I was nervous of getting someone new as an epilepsy nurse, but Abbie is an angel and has so much empathy and time for people.”
Jo, Elizabeth and Abbie said: “It is great to know that patients find our service and support valuable.
“We all enjoy our roles as we are able to make a difference to those living with epilepsy and their families or carers, be it through offering support and education around epilepsy or through managing medications and side effects.
“It is a privilege to care and support those with epilepsy.
“We also have another ESN in our team – Josie Simpson-Hill, who joined earlier in the year and who is getting positive feedback from patients.”
North East – “I thoroughly enjoy it for so many reasons”
Jo Glenton, epilepsy specialist nurse, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals, Royal Victoria Infirmary.
“Jo has been supportive and patient with my complex diagnosis, as well as being informative.”
“It’s really kind that someone has taken the time to nominate me. We all work very hard and have lots of pressures.
“Epilepsy can be very challenging for people to live with, we have nowhere near enough resources, funding or staff, but our role is to try our best to help and support. I thoroughly enjoy it for so many reasons.”
North West – “Even when we can’t ‘fix’ things, we will do whatever we can”
Steph Morrison, epilepsy specialist nurse, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Trust, Royal Preston Hospital.
“She is pure awesomeness. Patient, caring, always there for me, very helpful and puts herself out with home visits.”
Steph said: “The fact that one of my patients has taken time out of their day to nominate me and say such lovely things is really humbling.
“I have worked as an ESN for about 18 years, and I really do love it. We are a very small team of three nurses and two admin assistants and has been a very difficult and challenging time over the last few months.
“To be honest, morale has been a little low as we haven’t been able to give the service we want, but this award has made all the hard work, extra hours and late finishes worthwhile.
“I take great satisfaction in supporting my patients through their journey with epilepsy. There is always a mixture of highs and lows and even when we can’t ‘fix’ things, we will do whatever we can to make sure they feel supported.”
Wales – “Being an ESN Hero is recognition from where it matters most”
Nesta Narbad, epilepsy specialist nurse, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, University Hospital of Wales.
“Nesta has been the only constant in my epilepsy journey. She has always been there at the end of the phone to chat to me, support me and chase up things for me. Without her I wouldn’t have known about Epilepsy Action and her referral has enabled me to get further support for my wellbeing, legal help and support for my close family.”
Nesta said: “It’s a real privilege to do this job.
“Becoming an ESN had been my ambition for a long time. From personal experience, I know what it’s like to see someone you care about and love live with epilepsy. I try to treat everyone as I would want my loved one to be treated, and for them to know they are being heard.
“The best part has to be the contact that I get to have with people, their families and carers every day. That and working with the best nursing team who are very generous in sharing their skills, knowledge, experience and care.
“Being an ESN Hero is recognition from where it matters most for doing a job that I love, and not many people get that.”
Northern Ireland – “I am happy when we make progress”
Beth Irwin, epilepsy nurse/midwife, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.
“An epilepsy nurse and midwife who has been by my side through my teenage years right until helping me have children of my own.”
Beth said: “I am honoured to have been able to make a difference in some lives.
“I have been in this post since 2003, and despite challenges, I continue to love this job. It is a privilege and a job you never stop learning in.
“I am happy when we make progress [with my patients] and am there to support when times aren’t so good.
“My greatest joy has come from being part of the UK Epilepsy and Pregnancy Group, helping to set up the joint epilepsy obstetric clinic in 2004 in Belfast and being able to continue and contribute to that field throughout my career.
“I have also had the privilege to work with an amazing, albeit small, team of dedicated colleagues over the last 20 years. I was blessed to have started my epilepsy nursing career as one of Epilepsy Action’s Sapphire Nurses.”
Scotland – “It is truly humbling and very touching”
Erin Lilley, epilepsy specialist nurse, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
“From the first moment I met Erin, she made me feel seen and understood. I’m always looking forward to seeing her. She’s an absolute angel.”
Erin said: “What an honour to receive such wonderful feedback; it is truly humbling and very touching.
“It has been a privilege to dedicate the past 12 years of my nursing career to supporting individuals living with epilepsy, initially working within an inpatient setting and now as an ESN working with patients in the community.
“Supporting individuals with epilepsy, alongside their families and carers, to navigate the challenges they may face is an incredibly rewarding aspect of my role.”
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