Louth public urged to take the Purple Pledge for Epilepsy Ireland
Over 1,200 people living with epilepsy in Louth
Purple Day is the biggest fundraising day of the year for Epilepsy Ireland and this year, they are appealing to the people of Louth to support their work on Tuesday 26 March by taking the Purple Pledge.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by a tendency to have recurring seizures and is a very common condition, with around 1 in 115 people affected. There are over 1,200 people living with epilepsy in Louth, and over 45,000 people living with epilepsy in Ireland, including 10,000–15,000 people who are living with uncontrolled seizures.
For this group in particular, the consequences of epilepsy can be long-lasting and significant. It can affect the person’s education, employment, social functioning, self-esteem and independent living. People with epilepsy must also cope with the physical impact of seizures, the side-effects of medications and for many, the social stigma and economic impact that can be associated with it.
Its individualised impact on those who live with it means that it is often considered as a hidden disability. There is also an increased risk of mortality associated with epilepsy with an estimated 130 epilepsy-related deaths in Ireland each year.
Epilepsy Ireland is the national organisation supporting and representing people with epilepsy and their families. “We rely on the support of many wonderful volunteers and fundraisers who step up on days like Purple Day to help us raise the money needed to deliver our services", says Epilepsy Ireland’s Fundraising and Development Manager, Cian Dikker.
"Epilepsy Ireland responds to 20,000 contacts each year from individuals and families, some newly diagnosed and others far along their journey with epilepsy.
"Our services include supporting people who are newly diagnosed with epilepsy; organising targeted events for children and teens with epilepsy on managing their condition; training teachers and SNAs on how best to support a child with epilepsy in the classroom, and much, much more.
“Epilepsy Ireland’s services are vital to people in Louth living with epilepsy. However, the cost of providing these services is well in excess of the state funding we receive. This is why we are asking you to take the Purple Pledge to support our work in communities across the country.”
Explaining the Purple Pledge, Cian explains that: “Your Purple Day Pledge represents a commitment to our shared mission to achieve a society where no person’s life is limited by epilepsy. Take the Pledge and take on a challenge of your choice to raise funds. Ask your family, friends, and colleagues to join you and to donate in support of Epilepsy Ireland.
“Pledge to walk, run, hike or cycle while wearing purple and raise funds for Epilepsy Ireland. The challenge is easy: join our community on Facebook, set up a fundraiser, and make some noise about getting active in purple on Tuesday 26 March 2024! Whatever your personal pledge may be and whatever amount you raise, we’d love to have the people of Louth on board for Purple Day.
“Already we have a fast-growing community of people from across Ireland in our dedicated Facebook group - where pledgers are sharing their ideas for their fundraisers, having fun, and getting excited for their own pledge on March 26! For more information about getting involved, contact us by emailing [email protected].
“If you are unable to take the pledge, any donation, no matter the size, would be greatly appreciated. To donate, visit www.epilepsy.ie/donate.” To learn more about epilepsy, Epilepsy Ireland, or Purple Day, visit www.epilepsy.ie.