My Latest Commission : A Poem on NHS Leadership

Thank you Rob Webster for asking me to write this poem.
It took me a long time to do, but I really enjoyed doing it.
I drew on my experiences good and bad as a NHS patient.

An Important Annoucement from Young Epilepsy

Media Release 


High-street fashion giant takes on epilepsy
Charities Young Epilepsy and Epilepsy Society have partnered up with fashion retailer River Island during National Epilepsy Week (18-24 May) to help raise awareness of this widespread condition by launching the campaign, ‘Everyone knows someone’.
The ‘Everyone knows someone’ campaign is designed to get everyone talking about this hidden condition; this will help understanding and reduce the stigma that is faced by over a half a million children and adults living with the condition. The charities, along with River Island, will be encouraging everyone to visit www.everyoneknowssomeone.org.uk

Online, everyone will be able to read real life epilepsy stories, and complete an epilepsy quiz for a chance to win a £500 River Island shopping spree.  River Island will also be giving away a free 'Everyone knows someone' wristband with online orders during National Epilepsy Week.

Epilepsy can affect anyone of any age but is most commonly diagnosed in childhood or later life. On average there is one child with epilepsy in every primary school and five in every secondary school, and it can seriously affect their personal, education and home lives. Young Epilepsy and Epilepsy Society have a vast array of resources that can help parents, children, teenagers, schools and universities to provide the best form of care for those with epilepsy.

Ben Lewis, Chief Executive at River Island said; “River Island is gladly supporting the ‘Everyone knows someone’ campaign for a second year. It is so important to raise awareness of this hidden condition that effects so many of our staff and customers.

“Young Epilepsy and Epilepsy Society are doing a fantastic job at supporting young people and their families that are affected by the condition and I am proud to be part of such an important campaign.”
Carol Long, Chief Executive at Young Epilepsy, said; “The ‘Everyone knows someone’ campaign is a fantastic way of increasing the awareness of epilepsy, a misunderstood condition that can have serious implications on a young person’s life.
“Working with River Island we will be able to spread epilepsy awareness to even more people across the UK. Our hope is that one day that people with epilepsy will not face stigma and that they won’t feel the need to hide their condition.”
Dr Sallie Baxendale, Consultant Neuropsychologist at Epilepsy Society said: “This initiative with River Island is a great opportunity to raise awareness of epilepsy. Once you start talking about epilepsy it’s amazing how many people know someone with the condition. Greater public awareness is one of the biggest issues for people living with the condition. Busting the myths and misconceptions will help banish the stigma people with epilepsy often experience."
Follow ‘Everyone knows someone’ on Twitter @EKSepilepsy or Facebook/EKSepilepsy
-ENDS-
Notes to editors

For further information, please contact

Josh Dibble on telephone: 01342 832243 ext 432.  Email: jdibble@youngepilepsy.org.uk
Amanda Cleaver on telephone: 01494 601 404. Email: Amanda.Cleaver@epilepsysociety.org.uk


Facts and stats
Epilepsy is the most common serious childhood neurological condition. There are 60,000 children and young people under the age of 18, and 112,000 aged 25 and under, living with epilepsy in the UK.
On average there is a child with epilepsy in every primary school and five in every secondary school.
There are around 600,000 people in the UK diagnosed with epilepsy. That’s about one in every 131 people. There are around 50 million people with epilepsy in the world. Around 75 people are diagnosed with epilepsy every day.