A DEDICATED volunteer whose volunteer work for those affected by epilepsy spans three decades has been honoured.
Beryl Sharlot from Leamington has been presented with The Hilary Figg Award for long service to Epilepsy Action.
The 84-year-old set up the charity’s first ‘epilepsy forum’ group in response to a lack of support in the area. A network of forums have since sprang up across the country which also campaign to improve health services for people with the condition.
Beryl is trained to give epilepsy awareness presentations and has helped hundreds of people, in workplaces, community organisations and schools have a better understanding of the condition and how to help.
This year also marks her 30th anniversary as a charity trustee.
She said: “I am honoured to receive this award. It has been a privilege to do so much for people with epilepsy, and so rewarding. Epilepsy can have a huge impact on a person’s life. If we don’t speak up for people with epilepsy and help them amplify their voice, then who will?”
Charity manager Will Butterworth, who nominated Beryl for the award, said: “Beryl will always help out wherever and whenever she can. She is always in front of the queue to offer her help. She also has a delightful quality of letting others have the opportunity to help with activities. She is more than happy to take a back seat from time to time.
“Beryl has provided me was constant unwavering support, advice and help with all the activities I have done across the central area.”
Epilepsy affects around one in every 100 people in the UK alone and 87 people are diagnosed with the condition every day. Each year, Epilepsy Action directly helps over two million people through a range of services. Visit epilepsy.org.uk for more details.
And the Warwick district coffee and chat group is inviting anyone affected by epilepsy and in need of support to attend. The group meets on the second Wednesday of the month from 2pm to 4pm, at the Premier Inn on Leamington Parade.
