NEWLY-RENAMED CHARITY EPILEPSY ACTION SEEKS ACTION FROM SPONSORS

Epilepsy Action is the leading member-led epilepsy organisation in the UK, directly helping over 200,000 people a year by providing advice, information and support to people living with epilepsy. The BBC drama The Lost Prince told the story of Prince John, the young royal who was hidden away from society because of his epilepsy. It highlighted how the condition was stigmatised at the turn of the 20th century - but people who have the condition are still facing prejudice today. Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions in the UK affecting one in 133 people. Advances in medical science have enabled approx. 75% of those people to have their condition controlled by medication but attitudes towards epilepsy still prove a hurdle for many. In a survey conducted by Epilepsy Action in December 2002, 96% of people with epilepsy said that raising public awareness about epilepsy and increasing public understanding and acceptance of the condition was crucial to improving their quality of life. Nearly 60% said stigma was the biggest problem facing people with epilepsy. Some people with epilepsy are still discriminated against due to ignorance about the condition. Some are so afraid of negative reactions that they keep their condition from their own family, their employer or school. Many people with epilepsy are prevented from achieving their full potential and despite the Disability Discrimination Act, can still be denied access to goods and services like insurance, shops, restaurants and transport. Epilepsy Action (which recently changed its name from British Epilepsy Association) is seeking sponsors to promote and fund its events to help raise awareness and understanding of epilepsy. The organisation has a number of events planned for 2003, as shown below: Ben Nevis Challenge: 30th May - 1st June and 3rd - 5th October, 2003 West Highland Way: 11th - 17th May, 2003 Mount Olympus Trek: 11th - 15th September, 2003 'Out in the Open' Walks: 18th May, 2003 It's a Knockout: 1st June (Dudley), 15th June (Leeds), 30th August (Motherwell), 2003     Contact: Keeley Sellars, Senior Fundraiser. Tel.: 0113 210 8800. Other contact details in our Cause-related: People section.     © uksponsorship.com Ltd. 2003 E&OE