We had a chat with our volunteer Dave to find out what his plans for Purple Day are and why he supports Epilepsy Scotland. If you would like to sponsor Dave in his challenge you can here. 

What are your plans for Purple Day?

I have decided to do a 26 mile walk which will take place around Forthquarter Park near to where I live.

I am doing it there because I have people nearby in case of a seizure and to keep in line with COVID-19 lockdown rules.

The path around the park is approximately one mile and I will walk around it 26 times, the time and distance will all be recorded via an app on my phone.

Why have you decided to do this particular challenge?

I wanted to do something to help raise epilepsy awareness and funds to commemorate purple day. I enjoy walking and want to challenge myself, at the same time keeping myself safe.

Also, I was walking around the park doing some exercise one day when the idea came to me to do my challenge there.

What does Purple Day mean to you and why did you want to get involved?

I have lived with epilepsy for 37 years and in that time have seen attitudes and awareness change drastically, however there is still a long way to go with many people still thinking epilepsy is just seizures.

The life changing effects of epilepsy are so much more with the side effects of medications, the injuries that can happen during a seizure, the anxiety caused by the unpredictability of epilepsy and the limitations placed on some things that most take for granted like cooking, having a soak in the bath, long periods of sleep to recover, driving, going out alone, memory loss and the fear that the next seizure could result in death.

Purple Day is a fantastic way to get that information out there and being involved in it makes me feel like I am contributing and helping to raise awareness as well as paying back for the support that I receive.

Why did you choose Epilepsy Scotland for your Purple Day fundraiser?

Epilepsy Scotland are a charity that are very close to my heart. They provide a fantastic service to anyone affected by epilepsy, influence changes in law and medical treatment, offer support, guidance and education.

They have supported me personally and I feel that helping them in any way I can is the best way to thank them.

In my case they are literally lifesavers and I will be forever grateful and supportive of them.

This past year has been very tough for charities and Epilepsy Scotland have had to adapt their fundraising activities while still running these vital services.

I feel that the least I can do at this time is raise as much as I possibly can.

We would love to hear what you are planning for Purple Day! Let us know by emailing fundraising@epilepsyscotland.org.uk