The reason I haven’t spoken openly about my epilepsy up until now is probably quite selfish - I think it scares many people and don't want that to affect my life.  I don't need special dispensation, I just need to spread the message.  So here goes…

It was in September 2011 when I had my first seizure. 

After being checked over the doctors thought it might be a one off.  Three seizers later I was diagnosed with epilepsy. 

There’s no reason behind me having it, my brain is normal – I have a 3D MRI scan on a DVD to prove it!  From September 2011 to the present day I work with my fantastic neurologist to find just the right mix of meds to keep me on the straight and narrow, and something is working as I’ve been fit free for over a year. 

There are reasons behind some forms of epilepsy, but for many people doctors just don’t know why it happens or how to treat it and it’s all a bit trial and error. I really am one of the lucky ones - so many people with epilepsy have no control and are forced to live a life of just getting through not just day by day, but seizure by seizure.  Imagine that after going about your normal life yesterday, that today you drop down and have a seizure.  Then from that point forward you have to give up everything – your work, your independence and your social life, as you have no control over when you have a seizure and no medication will control that. We need to raise money and help these people. 

So many Epilepsy sufferers sit at home, never leaving for the fear of dropping down in public and having a seizure.  It was down to Chris who got me straight back out there, and my Remarkable (by name and nature) TV crew who eased me back into the job I love and were my saving grace – friends and family you were all incredible too. 

Last year Chris raised £4000 for the Epilepsy society by sailing across the Pacific Ocean and now it’s my turn.  I’m going to cycle 100 miles across London, with Chris by my side.  This kind of physical activity is somewhat out of character for me, however I now seem to have honed the art of getting my feet out of my bikes cleats after initially cycling into a swamp (see picture)!

Thanks for reading.  Epilepsy is part of my life but I can deal with it and have been fit free for a year, so I want to help those people whose lives have been engulfed by it by funding the research that potentially could find the ‘cure’.  I have had a tiny insight into their lives, they are just normal people like you with no warning of what is ahead of them. 

So if you can help us help them, then please do.

Emma & Chris

xxx