Epilepsy Scotland would like to add to the bitter disappointment being directed at comments made by Cat Deeley on ITV’s This Morning on Monday 17th June.
Epilepsy Scotland’s CEO, Lesslie Young, says “It is incredibly disappointing that once again a high-profile individual makes blatant fun of seizures on national TV. Seizures are no laughing matter for people who live with epilepsy. A seizure can not only put someone in danger by happening whilst crossing a road, having a bath, or getting injured, but the most serious seizures can even lead to death.
“Stigma attached to epilepsy by the general public is one of the most challenging things to tackle for the epilepsy community. Whilst we struggle to make a small step forward on tackling stigma, every time something like what Cat Deeley did yesterday happens, it forces us to reluctantly take two steps back.
“Epilepsy is the second most common neurological condition in Scotland, after migraines, and over 58,000 in Scotland live with the condition. Between 100 and 350 people die of the condition in Scotland every year, many due to seizures.
“Cat Deeley should educate herself on the condition and as an apology dedicate a whole episode of This Morning to epilepsy where epilepsy charities including Epilepsy Scotland can help her educate the British public about the condition.”
