Epilepsy Action "Out In The Open" Walk Appeal, UK

Main Category: Epilepsy
Article Date: 17 Mar 2005 - 11:00 PDT

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Epilepsy Action is appealing for people from all over the UK to organise and take part in walks to help increase awareness of epilepsy, and raise money for the organisation's vital services.

The charity is holding its annual nationwide sponsored walk - "Epilepsy: Out in the Open" on Sunday 15th May 2005 to mark the beginning of National Epilepsy Week.

Epilepsy Action needs to recruit as many walkers and walk organisers as possible if it is to reach this year's fundraising target of £50,000.

TV Vet Emma Milne is supporting the walk and made this appeal:

"Get your walking boots on and donate a little of your time, energy, and as much money as you can squeeze out of your mates to help those whose lives are affected by epilepsy."

Epilepsy is the UK's most common serious neurological condition affecting 450,000 people but there are still many myths and misunderstandings surrounding the condition. Last year, Epilepsy Action's Freephone Helpline dealt with around 25,000 enquiries from people with epilepsy and their families.

A helpline user said: "Ringing the Helpline changed my life for the better. It's a big comfort to know that there is such strong support for this condition."

It doesn't matter if you trek for miles or take a short stroll, every step will be helping Epilepsy Action to continue its vital work. Anyone interested in organising or taking part in a walk in their area should contact Ian Turnpenny, fundraising officer, on 0113 210 8800.

As the UK's leading epilepsy organisation Epilepsy Action helps over 459,000 people a year. It provides information and support for anyone living with epilepsy and has a network of over 80 branches around the UK. The charity also works hard to break down the stigma that surrounds the condition and to educate the wider public about epilepsy. Epilepsy Action operates a Freephone Epilepsy Helpline on 0808 800 5050 and website http://www.epilepsy.org.uk. Over 90% of the charity's income is in the form of voluntary contributions and its vital work would not be possible without the financial support of the general public.

For further information about epilepsy and Epilepsy Action or to request a picture of TV vet, Emma Milne, wearing an Epilepsy Action "Out in the Open" walk t-shirt in electronic format, please contact: Lucy Rollinson, press officer, or Ingrid Burns, public relations manager, on 0113 210 8800 or press@epilepsy.org.uk.

This press release is also available in Adobe Acrobat PDF and Microsoft Word formats at epilepsy.org.uk/press/releases.html

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