Daredevil daughter raising funds for Epilepsy Society

Sophie, 17, is going to be doing a skydive this July for Epilepsy Society but her inspiration is her mum, Nicola, who was diagnosed with epilepsy as a teenager.

We caught up with mum and daughter to find out more about what’s inspired Sophie to raise money. 

Sophie said:” I am an adrenaline junkie and love all the rides at the amusement parks. Even though Mum has to be careful with the flashing lights as she has photosensitive epilepsy, we have always enjoyed going on the different fairground rides. When a friend said she was going to do a skydive I thought that sounded like a good idea and I wanted to try it. When I realised I could also support a good cause, it made sense to do it for Epilepsy Society.

As a family we have used the Epilepsy Society website and helpline. Having grown up with Mum having seizures, I have never been upset or concerned. I was never alone with my Mum when I was younger but I must have seen my Dad and Nana manage her seizures.

I remember the first time that it was just me and Mum. We were taking the bus into town to meet my auntie. I was around 13 or 14 when Mum fell on me while having a seizure. I was shouting at the bus driver to stop. I couldn’t move. Everyone was really nice and helped me. But I know that people can sometimes find seizures frightening if they haven’t seen it before.”

Mum, Nicola, said she really values the support of her daughter, especially as her older son is serving in the Army and is often away for long periods of time. Nicola’s seizures are related to her hormones and she noticed when her children were small she had more seizures, probably due to lack of sleep. With photosensitive epilepsy Nicola has to avoid strobe lighting but she has also been affected by the lights in the Trafford Shopping Centre so she makes sure she goes with her husband, daughter or family member. 

Nicola said: “I have had epilepsy since I was 15, although I was having fainting spells when I was 13 but it wasn’t until I had a brain scan that my condition was diagnosed. I have never been a year free from seizures and there is no pattern, it is very up and down. I do tell people I have epilepsy as it makes me feel less anxious if I have told them. If people know what to do then they are less frightened. I am very lucky that my daughter takes care of me, she has been looking after me since she was ten. Some people don’t like to be on their own with me when I have a seizure so knowing my daughter can help is so important. I have regularly changed medication and it can take six months for your body to adjust so knowing I have the support of my family makes it much easier.”

The family also enjoy more sedate days out and often go to National Trust properties such as Lyme Park, Chesire where they are able to dress up in period costume and promenade around the gardens. 

If you would like to donate to Sophie’s skydive, please go to her fundraising page: Fundraiser by Sophie Sims : My skydive to support the Epilepsy Society.