This month’s Epilepsy Star award winner is Bethan McCrohan, a manager at RAF Valley. Bethan was nominated by Aaron Jones, from Conwy in Wales, who says Bethan offered him unwavering support throughout his apprenticeship with Babcock at RAF Valley, Anglesey. Aaron was diagnosed with epilepsy just before his apprenticeship was due to start, and this created a new world of anxieties ahead of entering the workplace. However, from the moment Aaron was offered his role, he was supported by Bethan as well as other staff members and now dedicates his success in his two-year apprenticeship to Bethan’s support.
Aaron hopes other employers learn from his story and understand how people with epilepsy can thrive in the workplace, with the correct support in place.
“I was diagnosed with epilepsy in June 2024, after having two seizures within five months out of nowhere. My life turned completely on its head, including losing my independence such as surrendering my driver’s licence which I had only had for a few months.
“At this time, I had just been offered an apprenticeship at RAF Valley with Babcock International doing aircraft maintenance. This was a huge step in my life.
“There are lots of worries that go through your head when entering the workplace with epilepsy. I was anxious that I might have a seizure, and when I started the job I was still learning about my own epilepsy, including my triggers and seizure types. I was also very worried that I was a burden on other people.
“In the time between being offered the role and actually starting the job, I was supported by my manager Bethan, and Martin Noble, to explain my epilepsy and the support and adjustments I may need. This included explaining what types of seizures I have, my triggers and implementing the necessary documents so that they had a good understanding of my condition.”
Essential support at the RAF
“Being in an environment like aircraft maintenance, health and safety is paramount. Ensuring that myself and others are safe whilst working was key when we were going through everything.
“The templates from Epilepsy Action, such as the ‘My Epilepsy’ document, Seizure Action Plan and Stress Risk assessment, were particularly helpful. My managers and I were able to go through the documents together and put the right procedures in place from the beginning of me starting my role.
“Unfortunately, a couple months after beginning my apprenticeship, I had an absence seizure at work whilst on a course. Amazingly, the staff were so supportive – Bethan being a first-aider in the same department meant she was paramount. She put the Seizure Action Plan into place and contacted my Dad straight away to let him know what had happened and to pick me up.
“I was then referred to Occupational Health where it was deemed that I should not work from height. My placements were adapted to avoid work at height while still allowing me to gain relevant experience towards my chosen career. Before I began these placements, Bethan was very proactive and briefed all the managers and first aiders who would be around me on my condition. This made a significant difference in helping me feel safe, comfortable and supported as I continued my apprenticeship.
“As I live 45 minutes away from work, getting into work was very difficult – I would have had to leave the night before if I had to use public transport! I was approved for an Access to Work grant, and this enabled me to get a taxi into work instead. Bethan was truly outstanding at approving my Access to Work claims each week.
“Two years after starting this apprenticeship, I have thankfully secured full-time employment in a role I really enjoy. It would not have been possible without the help of Bethan, Martin and so many others.
“I would encourage employers not to make assumptions about someone’s abilities or suitability for a role simply because they have epilepsy. Epilepsy affects everyone differently, and with the right understanding, support and reasonable adjustments, many people with epilepsy can have successful and fulfilling careers, regardless of the industry they work in. Across the UK approximately 1 in 100 people have epilepsy (1 in 88 in Wales) making it one of the most common neurological conditions.
“Bethan, thank you so much for all of your help over the past two years – you have helped me immensely and I wouldn’t be where I am today without you.”
A shining example
Rebekah Smith, chief executive at Epilepsy Action, said: “We’re so pleased to give our Epilepsy Star award to Bethan – she is a leading example of how employers and staff should support people with epilepsy in the workplace. She has clearly had a huge impact on Aaron’s journey at his apprenticeship, and it is lovely to see individuals with epilepsy thriving in the workplace.
“Unfortunately, we know that many people with epilepsy across the country often face barriers to employment, and sometimes discrimination or mistreatment when they do make it into the workplace. In an anonymous survey, 42% of employers admitted to Epilepsy Action that they would be inclined not to hire someone with epilepsy, even though they knew this is discrimination. These statistics are daunting for our community and show the stigma and misconceptions that people with epilepsy can face at work.
“Aaron’s story is one that we hope will provide hope to others in the epilepsy community and show that there are companies and employers out there who are rightfully willing to put the relevant support in place. We’re so pleased to see that Aaron’s managers were able to use our extensive resources to provide him with all the support, advice and tools he may need in his role.
“The team is a shining example of what can be achieved in a workplace without limits and we hope it will inspire others in the epilepsy community and encourage other companies to do the same.”
Star Awards
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