A man from Salford who thought his “life was over” after realising he had epilepsy says more needs to be done to challenge misconceptions about the hidden condition.
Callum Fairbrother, 27, has been involved in charity campaigns to raise awareness of epilepsy, but feels that many people are still misinformed about the health issue.
The dad of one is determined not to let the condition hold him back, but often worries about how passers-by may react should he have a seizure in public.
“It’s that fear of, if I go outside on my own, people may look at me and think ‘he’s on drugs or he’s just an alcoholic,” he said.
Callum believes progress is still needed in teaching about epilepsy in schools and feels that he has “slipped through the cracks” as NHS pressures mean staff focus on conditions they see as more urgent.
His call for greater understanding of epilepsy comes on Purple Day, an international day where people raise awareness of the condition.
Epilepsy Society said every year in the UK, about 1,000 people die from causes related to the condition.
The charity explained that “One in 100 people in the UK has epilepsy and while it is classed as a disability, people don’t have to disclose they have the condition.
“Two-thirds of people can control their seizures through medication, but nearly 200,000 people live with the knowledge that they could have a seizure without warning.”
Having progressed through early adulthood “behaving like any young person,” Callum’s life changed when he had his first epileptic seizure at “23 or 24.”
“I thought my life was over. I was told I couldn’t get a driver’s license and would have to watch what I eat and how I live. It took me a good four or five years to fully accept the condition.
“Now I know that I own the epilepsy, it doesn’t own me,” he said.
There are still good days and bad days: “Sometimes you wake up and feel groggy and don’t want to get out of bed, and others I feel fantastic.”
Callum said that Epilepsy Society had helped him to better process living with the condition.
“Epilepsy Society have people that can’t really talk online and stuff, but they have people that can explain the condition and help you feel better.
“There are charity events you can do with them that give you a sense of achievement.”
Callum explained he completed a sponsored walk for the charity: “I walked so many laps a day for a couple of weeks for Epilepsy Society and raised a bit of money.”
He also runs a Facebook page called ‘Music Makes Peace’ where he promotes awareness about the condition.
“My advice would be for anyone who thinks they might have epilepsy would be to go to a doctor and get themselves checked over.
“Try and get yourself in a good position and get support around you to help.”
Epilepsy Society instructs people to follow the three C’s if they encounter someone having an epileptic seizure.
They say it is best to stay ‘Calm’ and take control of the situation.
Then, ‘Cushion’ the person’s head with something soft.
And lastly, the charity recommends that you ‘Call’ an ambulance on 999 if the seizure lasts more than five minutes.
