Raising awareness of epilepsy in Surrey
Friday 26th March is 'Purple Day'
Purple day is a time to get people talking about epilepsy, raise awareness of the condition and raise vital funds.
The day was started in 2008 by Cassidy Megan and since then it has grown to be a global event raising awareness of the impact epilepsy can have on people's lives.
Epilepsy is one of the most common serious neurological conditions in the world that affects around 600,000 people in the UK.
There are over 40 different types of seizure, and not all of them are physical which is why epilepsy can also be an invisible condition.
50% of those with epilepsy say they wish the public knew that the impact of the condition is so much more than seizures – including medicine side-effects, mental health impacts and memory problems’.
Helen Jackson from the Meath epilepsy charity in Godalming told us how they're marking the day:
"There's a lot of purple hair spray being passed around so purple hair is on the menu as are purple crafts, they've been busy in the skills centre sessions. They'll be music, dancing and lots and lots of purple cakes on offer."
To coincide with Purple Day the charity have also released this short film that looks at the common perceptions of disability and empowers its protagonist to remind us that life is for living to the full.
The Meath Epilepsy Centre aim to support, care for and protect the physical and mental health of people living with epilepsy.
You can find out more about the the charity by visiting the Meath epilepsy charity website.