A heart-wrenching documentary highlighting the devastating impact of epilepsy has earned Epilepsy Scotland a coveted spot on the shortlist for the Smiley Charity Film Awards, the world’s largest cause-based film campaign.
The moving film tells the story of Graeme, a 35-year-old who tragically lost his life to epilepsy, through the eyes of his mother Irene and sister Carolann.
The film created and produced by Urbancroft Films, has been shortlisted in the £1million – £2.5 million turnover category and aims to highlight the urgent need for increased research funding to understand the causes of deaths due to epilepsy which claims three lives every day in the UK and learn how to prevent them.
“We are delighted that Graeme’s story has been shortlisted for a Charity Film Award,” says Lesslie Young OBE, Epilepsy Scotland’s Chief Executive. “By sharing their personal experience, Irene and Carolann have helped shed light on a significant health issue which needs to be more openly discussed and researched.
“Deaths because of or associated with epilepsy take people, often young people with their whole lives ahead of them away from those who love them, leaving dreams unfulfilled and so many questions unanswered.
“We need more funding to go towards research which may help reveal why some people living with epilepsy are at increased risk, how these deaths occur, and help find ways to prevent them.”
Proud to honour Graeme
Graeme’s mother Irene said: “We feel very proud and thankful for being given the opportunity to help with this film and delighted that it has been shortlisted for the film awards.
“As a family we will always struggle with Graeme’s sudden death. We are proud to be able to honour Graeme with the video and to help raise awareness for Epilepsy Scotland.
“As Graeme’s mother it has helped me with the guilt I feel every day about Graeme’s death. I will always wonder if I could have done more, will always wish that I had known about Epilepsy Scotland.
“Making the video has been like counselling for me and has helped me understand epilepsy a bit more.”
The winners of the Charity Film Awards will be announced at a glamorous red-carpet ceremony hosted by TV and Radio presenter Lisa Snowdon on Thursday, March 20, at indigo at the O2.
To watch the film, please click here.
