Epilepsy isn’t just something I have. It’s something I’ve had to learn to live with every single day.

In 2019, doctors discovered a growth on my brain after I started having seizures. Since then, my life has changed in ways I never imagined. I’ve undergone brain surgery, lost hearing in my left ear, and spent around seven months of the last six years in hospitals because of my condition.

What people don’t always see are the daily struggles that come with epilepsy. The medication, the exhaustion, the headaches, the tremors, the impact on mental health, and the constant uncertainty that comes with never knowing when a seizure could happen.

Unfortunately, my journey isn’t over. Doctors are now discussing further brain surgery, but the decision isn’t straightforward. The odds are roughly 50/50, and because of where the growth is located, it can’t be fully removed without risking further damage. I also live with an increased risk of SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy), which is something many people have never heard of but is a reality for people living with severe epilepsy.

I don’t share this for sympathy. I share it because epilepsy affects millions of people and families, yet so much of what we go through happens behind closed doors.

Living with epilepsy has taught me something important: life is precious. It’s one of the reasons I travel, make memories, chase opportunities and try to find happiness wherever I can. None of us know what tomorrow brings, but living with epilepsy has made me appreciate every good day that comes my way.

This June, I’m taking on the Walk 3 Miles a Day challenge to raise money for Epilepsy Society. The charity provides vital support, research and education for people living with epilepsy and their families.

If you’re able to donate, I’d be incredibly grateful. Every donation, no matter how big or small, helps support people facing challenges like mine and helps fund research into better treatments and a better future.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for supporting the cause, and for helping raise awareness of a condition that has shaped so much of my life.