Southwater mum’s campaign for epilepsy charity

Young Epilepsy shop in Horsham. Pic Steve Robards SR1517509 SUS-150723-132055001

Rebecca Turnball, whose son Matthew has the condition, is hoping her events will help raise awareness of the condition, which is still misunderstood by the wider society.

Young Epilepsy, based at Lingfield, has a specialist school and centre for further education for children and young people with severe epilepsy.

However the outdated buildings are spread across the site and so the charity is in the process of raising £10m for a new school aiming to be open in spring 2016.

Rebecca is encouraging people to get involved in the London to Brighton 40km bike ride on September 12 as well as the group’s fortnightly quiz nights at the Cock Inn in Southwater. The next one is on Tuesday August 4.

She is also organising a fun day at the pub on August 30.

Although the group is not a support group, the children have been able to share experiences.

Rebecca said: “My son is ten and he’s had epilepsy since he was born. We’ve gone through the battle with getting access to what he should have.

“There’s also another lady in the group who’s daughter is 11 and only six months diagnosed.

“She’s buddied up with Matthew so they can talk. She’s only just getting used to it.

“Matthew can see ‘it’s not just me and I’m not the only one. There are thousands of people with it’.

“Siblings can also talk as it cane have an effect on them.”

Rebecca has also been able to get Young Epilepsy advertised in an empty shop unit in Horsham’s South Street.

She said: “The lady said we can use it while it’s empty.

“It’s important we can use the window space. We can’t be there promoting the charity, but people can see the name.

“Epilepsy is like mental illness. We don’t want to say anything (as a society) in case we say the wrong thing.

“If it’s on the high street, it’s not just a taboo word.”

Anyone wanting to help her in her fundraising can find out more on the group’s Facebook page called Horsham/Southwater Fundraising Team Supporting Young Epilepsy.

For information about Young Epilepsy go to www.youngepilepsy.org.uk