Over 600,000 people in the UK live with epilepsy, and one in 50 people will experience the condition in their life without knowing it.
Nicholas Wheeler, 27, from Sleaford, was diagnosed with epilepsy at eight-years-old and would experience a seizure nearly every six months. He has taken medication for 19 years.
“It did make me nervous; I was somewhat on my toes waiting for the next one to happen,” he said.
“At first people had no clue about it, so I would have to explain what would happen if I were to have an episode.
“Through the years, people have become to have an understanding of it because public awareness has grown.”
Every year on March 26, ‘Purple Day’ happens, to raise awareness for epilepsy.
The campaign was started in 2008 in Canada, and soon became a global fundraising event.
One charity involved is the Epilepsy Society, and its aim is to “carry on the conversation.”
Nicola Swanborough, head of external affairs at the Epilepsy Society, said: “All donations made on Purple Day go towards funding a helpline for those suffering and to medical research in finding a cure.
“It’s very much driven by people and wouldn’t happen without the support.”
To get involved in Purple Day click here.
