Bowman brave to talk of epilepsy

Published on Saturday 11 July 2009 20:00

I READ with interest your article on Edith Bowman (Spectrum, 5 July). She is a fantastic example of a woman who has overcome a great deal in her life to become a role model for young people in Britain: a local hero in her home town of Anstruther, an ordinary person who has achieved extraordinary things.

Despite having severe epilepsy as a child, this has not prevented her becoming a widely recognised public face. The stigma attached to a diagnosis of epilepsy cannot be underestimated and Bowman is to be applauded for bringing it into the public forum.

For the 8,550 young people in Scotland with epilepsy, many choose not to tell others of their diagnosis, thus perpetuating the stigma.

Scottish Epilepsy Initiative's Valentine Appeal aims to provide young people with epilepsy with the social skills they require to overcome feelings of isolation, to address the stigma that young people face and to help young people fit in with their peers through education and integration. Scottish Epilepsy Initiative has a sum of money to distribute to young people with epilepsy in order to improve their daily lives.

To be considered for funding, please e-mail [e-mail].

Professor Martin J Brodie, Chairman, Scottish Epilepsy Initiative, Glasgow