Why are we doing a skydive? The answer is simple. Until 2017 it was completely out of the question for Charlotte who suffered from epilepsy. Now, we as sisters, are taking the plunge (jump).

However, in 2017 Charlotte had revolutionary surgery via a robot called ROSA who is the first of its kind in the UK.  This surgery had a positive impact on Charlotte’s life. It gives hope to so many other people who suffer from epilepsy and other neurological conditions. Charlotte was supported not only by the NHS but also by everyone at Neurocare. It’s now our time to give something back. 

Much to our parents concern, we have decided to take part in a skydive. We are both extremely excited. Charlotte has been through a couple of regulatory and medical hoops to be able to take part in the sky dive.

Incredibly, much to Charlotte’s surprise, Sarah has agreed to join her. With her support we want to raise money for Neurocare so that more people living with neurological conditions can be helped in the future.

The surgery which Charlotte had was developed with the use of a surgical robot. ROSA takes 3D images of the brain and showed where in the brain Charlotte’s seizures started so that the surgeons could pinpoint with incredible accuracy where they needed to operate. 

It’s precision is far less invasive and can reduce surgery times by up to 40 per cent whilst also improving recovery time and surgical outcomes. It also offers real hope to people with poorly controlled epilepsy, deep seated brain tumours, Parkinson’s disease and other complex brain disorders.

When Charlotte was ten years old, she was at a friend’s for a sleepover and had a severe convulsion which resulted in her being admitted to hospital in order to be stabilised. After further tests Charlotte was diagnosed with epilepsy. She was prescribed a low dose of anticonvulsants and remained well until the start of her GCSE’s. Due to exam pressures and the surrounding stress, Charlotte began to have seizures weekly. Her medication was increased to try to control them, but Charlotte started to experience lots of side effects, which were very difficult to cope with.

She trialled lots of different medications, but it never managed to fully control her condition. Charlotte’s neurologist at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield discussed the possibility of her being a candidate for neurosurgery dependent on the results of a number of invasive tests.

After much thought and discussion with our parents and other medical specialists, Charlotte agreed to the procedures and then neurosurgery. In November 2017, Charlotte had extensive neurosurgery at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. 

Since then, Charlotte has only had one seizure which was during the post-operative period and was common during the healing process. 

Charlotte is now 4 years and 8 months seizure free.

We want other people to have the same chance as Charlotte and to be supported with managing or improving their health. This is the reason we support Neurocare. 

Any funds donated means so much to Neurocare, NHS staff and the patients whose lives have been improved, changed and saved through the generosity of people like you. Charlotte has also been involved with the local Neurocare golf day for the last few years, which has raised significant amounts of money to purchase much needed equipment. Every penny you raise helps Neurocare fund life-saving equipment, research, patient support services, hospital transformations and medical training, all of which enhance the care and treatment of neuroscience patients being treated in Sheffield's NHS hospitals.

Charlotte is also very actively involved with Epilepsy Surgery Friends, whereby she provides support to other people considering surgery. From this, we are aware of how many more people can be supported by Neurocare.

Wish us luck (have a feeling we will need it) and thank you so much for your support.

Best wishes, 

Charlotte and Sarah

xx