Rubgy balls and chocolate bars raise awareness of epilepsy in the corridors of power

Our exhibition in the House of Commons for National Epilepsy Week has really pushed epilepsy up the political agenda. We held a reception last Wednesday 21st May with guest speakers including the rugby player Tommy Freeman, Rosie Wrighting MP and an impromptu speech from Baron Heyward, who was so inspired by our work, he wanted to speak.

As well as meeting over 50 MPs, the team from Epilepsy Society had really constructive conversations with many of the hard-working staff ‘behind the scenes’ about the importance of epilepsy seizure first aid. 

By the power of our specially printed Epilepsy Society chocolate bars, we had many conversations start with people saying they knew a friend or family member with epilepsy.  There are over 3,500 people who work in the Parliament buildings and they also welcome many visitors as there are public tours and school groups as well as many people attending business and committee meetings.  Our exhibition was in the ‘committee corridor’ which is where many people walk by, so we had a lot of people coming through the space and stopping to learn more about epilepsy.

While some MPs were unable to attend, they sent members of their team or requested further information. Our host, Bambos Charalambous MP was unable to be at the reception due to other business but he arranged for some of his constituents, affected by SUDEP, to attend the reception. 

We also had two questions asked about epilepsy at Prime Minister’s Question Time and the Prime Minister congratulated the rugby player Tommy Freeman as well as acknowledging the tireless campaigning of the Epilepsy Society.

Clare Pelham, CEO of Epilepsy Society said in her speech at the reception:“Parts of this building have been here for a thousand years, it is an important landmark in our constitution. But, as far as I know, this is the first reception within the precincts of the Palace of Westminster solely to promote awareness and understanding of epilepsy. And that conveys its own message about the stigma and lack of support that people with epilepsy have lived with for hundreds of years. 

That is manifested particularly in the historical lack of investment in medical research that could find new and better treatments for epilepsy. It is time for epilepsy to come out of the shadows. 

It is time for wider understanding of all that people with epilepsy - people like Rosie and Tommy - have achieved, and all that thousands more could achieve if they were supported with better treatments. 

And that is why we are so grateful to all those who have donated to fund the amazing research being done by Professor Sisodiya and why I hope that I can persuade even more of you to join them-and create a better world for people with epilepsy.”