Epilepsy Society

21/01/2026

Last year’s Royal Parks Half Marathon ballot broke records!

Don’t leave it to chance—secure a charity place today and guarantee your spot.

Public ballot opens 26 Jan – sign up for both to double your chances to run this iconic race!

For more information and to sign up, click here: https://bit.ly/4pQYI9o

20/01/2026

Congratulations to Olympic rower James Cracknell, who this week won Celebrity Mastermind. James developed epilepsy following a brain injury and has been a committed supporter of our medication shortages campaign.

The injury that caused his epilepsy also led to significant memory impairment. His ongoing recovery, and the remarkable progress he has made in regaining his memory, make this achievement all the more inspiring.

19/01/2026

Blue Monday, the third Monday in January, is often labelled the 'most depressing day of the year', with post‑holiday pressures, colder weather and less daylight all said to play a part.

There’s no scientific evidence behind the claim this particular day is the 'most depressing', but many people do find the winter months more challenging. And when you’re living with epilepsy, life can sometimes feel even more complicated.

If today, or any other days feels difficult, please remember, you don’t have to face it alone. Our helpline team are here to offer support and information:
• Call on: 0300 102 0024
• Email: helpline@epilepsysociety.org.uk
• Webchat: https://bit.ly/461coaJ

16/01/2026

As we begin the new year, we want to pay tribute to the incredible strength, compassion, and resilience of the online epilepsy community.

Time and again, you’ve shown up for one another, offering support, sharing your experiences, and reminding us of something profoundly important: epilepsy is a deeply personal and unique journey for every individual who lives with it.

Your voices, your honesty, and your willingness to lift each other up are what make this community truly extraordinary. Thank you 💜.

14/01/2026

Epilepsy Society is looking for a new Head of External Affairs, a key leadership role shaping policy and driving advocacy for people with epilepsy.

This is an opportunity to join an organisation at the forefront of groundbreaking research and epilepsy care.

• Based in Buckinghamshire
• Working three days in office/ two days from home
• Applications close Friday 13th February 2026
• Read the full job description and apply here: https://bit.ly/3LtNGsM

Click the following links for more information on our campaigning:
FixIt4Free: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1WAMTN-f5A
Zach's Law: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFz_Z_0jW7o
Medication shortages: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30CtqTS8XOc

14/01/2026

In this video, Epilepsy Society Chief Executive Clare Pelham reflects on the tragic news of the passing of 26-year-old Drew Greaves-Pimblett. The coroner’s report into Drew’s death called for additional guidance and support for 999 call handlers.

How can we, as a community, spread awareness of epilepsy, especially to those in health sector roles, to build a greater understanding of the condition?

Please share your positive experiences of helping people understand epilepsy and empowering them to provide support.

Every story helps build understanding. Add yours below.

12/01/2026

At just 4 months old, Wyatt was diagnosed with myoclonic epilepsy. For his mum Hannah, the joy of becoming a parent was mixed with fear and anxiety. Wyatt was having up to 100 seizures a day.

Hannah told us: 'I can’t tell you how many nights I spent awake, watching him sleep because I was too scared to close my eyes. I would lie beside him on my phone, seeking help and comfort from the information provided by this incredible charity.'

Genetic testing revealed Wyatt has a rare condition: Poirier-Bienvenu Syndrome, giving his family answers and hope for the future. Hannah says:
'Without the test, we would never have known the cause of our little boy’s seizures. It has changed our outlook on life and given us hope.'

For many, epilepsy means fear and uncertainty. But research into genomics is transforming diagnosis and treatment for families like Wyatt’s. With your help, we can accelerate breakthroughs and give more families hope.

Please help us change lives. Donate today and make new treatments a reality: https://bit.ly/4j1sTJn

10/01/2026

We wrapped up 2025 with a review of all the vital work Epilepsy Society did last year with insights from our CEO, plus updates from research, fundraising, communications, and care teams, alongside messages from our amazing supporters. 💜

If you missed it, we’ve pulled everything together in one video review of the year. Watch it here: https://bit.ly/3Z43zZT

As we step into 2026, we’re reflecting on 2025 at Epilepsy Society.We saw Zach Eagling being honoured at the Pride of Britain Awards for his campaign for onl...

09/01/2026

A coroner has called for call handlers at an ambulance service to be given more guidance and assistance around when CPR is required, following the tragic death of a young man from Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).

Drew Greaves-Pimblett was just 26 years old when he died suddenly last March because of SUDEP. Today, Senior Coroner for the area of Sefton, St. Helens and Knowsley, Anita Bhardwaj, issued a Report to Prevent Future Deaths following the conclusion of the inquest.

Drew’s older sister, Abbie said: “Our family hopes that clearer guidance and better-informed decision-making could prevent other families from experiencing a similar loss.

“Drew’s story highlights a devastating truth: epilepsy is still not understood well enough, not supported well enough, and not taken seriously enough - both throughout a person’s life and, heartbreakingly, in their final moments. We want to share Drew’s story to honour his life, to raise awareness of SUDEP, and to call for meaningful change so that others living with epilepsy are better supported, protected, and informed.

You can read more about the inquest on our website: https://bit.ly/4syTAt6

09/01/2026

This week, we had the exciting opportunity to speak with Team GB Paralympic cyclist Matthew Robertson about his Challenge 100 journey for Epilepsy Society. He shared how he manages his epilepsy during training and offered great advice for anyone starting the Challenge 100 this January.

Read Matthew’s story and donate here:https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Matthew1764261183488?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnHcSUrx_bqoKnxAtRNI5kMyxzmvHokThaZ0leEueoCC0ATbIi04-eegWYcYI_aem_B_TzkRGEp74i7W2wlG8QjA


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07/01/2026

𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐞𝐢𝐳𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐞

Following a shocking bus crash, fans saw Coronation Street character David experience a tonic-clonic seizure: the first major epilepsy storyline for the character in years.

David was diagnosed with epilepsy back in 2010 when the Epilepsy Society worked with scriptwriters to ensure an accurate portrayal. While his seizures have mostly been controlled, this episode reflects the reality of epilepsy: breakthrough seizures can happen any time, triggered by stress, tiredness, or alcohol.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/49qC5CK

There’s lots of speculation following the dramatic bus crash which saw Coronation Street character...

07/01/2026

Ken has lived with epilepsy for over 60 years and spent 50 of those years behind the mic, bringing music and conversation to patients through hospital radio.

Ken first experienced a seizure as a teenager. Since then, epilepsy has challenged many aspects of his life, but it never stopped him from doing what he loves: hospital radio.

Over five decades, he’s interviewed local celebrities, shared music, and brightened countless days for patients.

Ken is also a passionate advocate for epilepsy awareness. He wants people to understand what epilepsy looks like and how to respond. “People don’t realise that 1 in 100 have epilepsy,” he says. “It’s more common than people think.”

Read Ken’s full story click here: https://bit.ly/4jpOpYh