Local Longford teen named Epilepsy Ireland Volunteer of the Year

At their recent national conference, Epilepsy Ireland named local teen, Rebecca Reid as the recipient of their annual volunteer of the year awards.

Epilepsy Ireland is the national non-profit patient organisation representing people with epilepsy and their families and their vision is to achieve a society where no person’s life is limited by epilepsy. 

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14-year-old Rebecca lives with a severe form of epilepsy, experiencing seizures on an almost daily basis. Despite the impact of the condition on her life, she has an incredible outlook and uses her experiences to educate others about epilepsy. 

Speaking about Rebecca’s contribution to the work of Epilepsy Ireland, Advocacy & Communications Manager Paddy McGeoghegan said: 

“Rebecca is one of the biggest advocates for our message of TIME, SAFE, STAY for seizure response – recording videos for our biggest awareness days throughout the year to share this vitally important message. She has also led on some incredible fundraisers for Epilepsy Ireland – some involving her entire local community. 

“In all these efforts over the years, Rebecca’s biggest supporter has been there to help - her little sister Emma - highlighting how family support is so important on an individual’s journey with epilepsy.

“It is our privilege to name Rebecca, Emma and their family as the recipients of our volunteer of the year award as a small token of our appreciation for their support over many years.”

Speaking about Rebecca’s award, her mother Gráinne said:

“We are beyond pleased to see Rebecca’s and Emma’s efforts recognised. Rebecca has a particularly challenging form of the condition, but she never lets it get her down and is such an inspiration to us all. It is Rebecca that has inspired us to get involved in different fundraising and awareness events for Epilepsy Ireland.

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“It was such a delight to get the phone call telling us that Rebecca’s efforts were being recognised by EI through this award – I don’t think I’ll ever forget her smile the day she found out!

“We’re so incredibly proud of both girls and we are so grateful to Epilepsy Ireland for the recognition and their continued work for the entire epilepsy community across Ireland.”

To learn more about epilepsy and the activities of Epilepsy Ireland, visit www.epilepsy.ie.