We are delighted to confirm Epilepsy Action as one of our chosen charities for 2025. And we would like to thank Suzanna Turton, our Office Manager, who has shared her story of why epilepsy is very personal for her.

Suzanna’s Story

My daughter, Ella, has epilepsy. Her first seizure was in 2020 and was a huge shock. She was a fit, healthy, 17 year old, and, with Covid lockdown restrictions starting to ease, we were getting ready to go out in Leeds for a meal. I was downstairs when I heard a crash in our bathroom. I ran upstairs to find Ella had fallen on the bathroom floor and was having a seizure. We didn’t really know what was happening, we tried to keep her comfortable and phoned the ambulance, and they checked her and took her into hospital. Because of Covid restrictions, we were not able to travel in the ambulance with Ella, or go to meet her at the hospital. The initial shock and worry was awful.

A few weeks later, Ella saw a neurologist, and then had lots of checks and tests. There were concerns about possible brain cancer, before generalised Epilepsy was confirmed – this is where seizures originate on both sides of the brain, leading to loss of consciousness and awareness.

Ella continued to have seizures. The initial seizure lasted maybe 2-3 minutes, then she would slow down and her eyes would be rolled back, and her face might be blue as she struggled to breathe. Then, as she started to get oxygen in, her movements would be reduced and eventually she would become more alert and come round. She did not remember a seizure, and for days after, her muscles were very sore due to the movements and muscle contractions involved.

Having epileptic seizures is very scary. Ella was having seizures every month or so, and then they started to become more regular, nearly weekly. We didn’t know where or when they would occur, and there is a big risk of injuries from falls and accidents during a seizure. The worst one was when she was in the shower, she fell and banged her eye as well.

The medication first prescribed to Ella did not work. Eventually the neurologist changed the medication and this has made a huge difference – it is now 2 years since she had a seizure.

Whilst Ella has not had a seizure for a while, the impact of epilepsy is significant. She is still unable to drive, and has to constantly think and take precautions. For example, she doesn’t have a bath or shower if she is alone in the house, because if she had a seizure and was in water it is too dangerous.

Ella had a baby a year ago, which is amazing! Because of her epilepsy, she had to have a c-section delivery as there is an increased risk of seizure during childbirth, and she always has to be conscious of being with her baby and minimising the risks if a seizure did happen.

I personally know two people who have lost their lives to an epileptic seizure (or the consequences of) in the last two years. On both occasions, the person had a seizure when no-one else was around, which shows what a scary and devastating condition it can be.

Epilepsy is therefore very personal to me. I’m delighted that we are raising money this year for Epilepsy Action. They offer support for people with epilepsy, their families and healthcare professionals, as well as campaigning to raise awareness and improve services.

JTM Service’s Chosen Charity For 2025

We choose a charity each year at JTM Service, and this year we have chosen 2 – Epilepsy Action and Ellie’s Gift. Both of these have personal connections to JTM Service, and we will share more details on Ellies Gift shortly as well.

During 2025 we will be arranging fundraising events for these 2 fantastic charities. If you would like to donate to Epilepsy Action, please click on the following link – https://www.justgiving.com/page/suzanna-turton-3.

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