Nicole’s husband David was diagnosed with epilepsy after having a seizure while driving in 2017.

Thankfully, he was ok and nobody else was affected. However, his epilepsy diagnosis has taken his driving licence, independence and his job.

Nicole is running the Edinburgh 5K in May to raise money for Epilepsy Scotland and to raise awareness. She shares her story and the impact epilepsy has had on both of their lives.

Can you tell us how your husband got diagnosed with epilepsy?

David was diagnosed when he was around 10 years old. He was at a camp when he had his first seizure.

David has always had epilepsy since I’ve known him. However, when I first met him his seizures were under control. I met David in 2015.

How has his diagnosis impacted his life?

In October 2017, David had a seizure while driving. Thankfully, he was OK and had caused only a little damage to a couple of parked cars.

It was at this point his life and mine completely changed. He lost all his independence as he’d lost his license, he lost his job (he was working as a greenkeeper at the time.)

And he’d lost his confidence to do anything independently. From then on, he was having seizures roughly every four weeks.

David became a shadow of his former self and experienced a great deal of anxiety the fear of when his next seizure would happen.

David’s last seizure was in March 2021 and since then he has managed to drive again which he thought he never would and get into a driving job that he loves. Although the anxiety is still there.

What type of seizures does he have and how does it affect him?

David has tonic-clonic seizures. His seizures last around three minutes although he can take around 10 minutes to fully come round.

He can become what I can only describe as a child like state where he struggles to understand what anybody is saying to him.

What kind of support have you received from Epilepsy Scotland?

I’ve reached out to Epilepsy Scotland on numerous occasions to get advice for myself and David.

Also, my family. My Dad and David are very close and when he started having seizures, this was the first time my Dad had witnessed a seizure.

My Dad was concerned that he would not know what to do if they were put together and David took a seizure.

Epilepsy Scotland was kind enough to send leaflets out to my family to assist them. This is just one of the points I’ve used Epilepsy Scotland’s services.

How has the support from Epilepsy Scotland helped you both?

I don’t think I would ever stop thanking Epilepsy Scotland. Knowing that I can reach out to them at any time regarding anything from financial advice to health advice and just somebody to talk to has helped us both massively!

Why did you decide to fundraise for Epilepsy Scotland?

If I do any sort of fundraising, I always do it for Epilepsy Scotland. In 2017, I climbed Ben Nevis solo raising £600 for Epilepsy Scotland.

In 2021, while studying events management, we held an online pub quiz raising a further £600.

As above, Epilepsy Scotland is somewhere we can reach out to for any sort of advice. The work they do is next to none.

Why did you decide to run the Edinburgh 5k in particular?

I’m currently working my way through the couch to 5k. I genuinely can’t run the length of myself. So as much as 5k isn’t a lot to someone people it’s a massive challenge for me. It’s an honour to be running for Epilepsy Scotland.

What would you say to someone who is looking to fundraise for Epilepsy Scotland?

Do it!!! The support the fundraising team gives you is amazing, and they are nothing but encouraging.

What would you say to someone whose partner has been recently diagnosed with epilepsy?

You aren’t alone. There will be bad days however the support is there. Support them but also support yourself.

Find a way to destress yourself without adding stress to them is important.

You can support David and Nicole and make a donation by clicking here.

We need to raise around £700,000 each year to ensure we can provide vital support that has helped David and Nicole.

Can you help make a difference? If so, get in touch and get involved in one of fundraising events by emailing us at fundraising@epilepsyscotland.org.uk or by clicking here.