5 minute read
Eddie Peacock
Eddie
Invisible
Advertisement
HELLO AGAINand I must begin with a word of thanks. We received an email message from a lady making some kind comments about the last edition of Ability Needs. It is always gratifying to hear from someone who enjoys reading our magazine, but this lady reminded me of an important aspect of our work here at Ability Needs.
Isn`t it strange how life itself can point you in a direction? How it can play little tricks. How coincidence can set in motion a train of thoughts or even events. I have experienced such a sequence just recently. Whilst enjoying the delights of our local Marks & Spencer with my dearly beloved, I noticed a simple sign on a door. As I am of a certain age, there are all too frequent occasions when “nature calls” and inevitably I headed off to the gent`s toilet. It was as I passed the door of the disabled toilet that I noticed the sign. The message was simple but seeing it so soon after reading that thoughtful email, a connection was established among the hazy thoughts which normally inhabit my brain.
So, what was this interesting message? It was a simple statement but nonetheless profound; “not all
disabilities are visible”.
There are numerous clinical afflictions that are lifechanging, but which present no outward indication that this person has challenges. It is without doubt that in recent years the lot of wheelchair users has improved. So too have many dayto- day facilities for the less able. The number of disabled toilet facilities are themselves testimony to great progress. Deafness assistance in public places such as machines at stations etc and the sign language facility on our televisions are all testimony to improvements.
There are numerous issues however, that are not evident to the naked eye. It is easier to make facilities better for wheelchairs and other walking aids but not so easy to cater for those with, for example, poor sight, dementia, or epilepsy.
That nice message I mentioned earlier came from Sarah, who suffers from epilepsy. I found her story to be both emotional and stimulating. Despite the difficulties she encounters through her epilepsy she remains a positive determined character. Her young daughter, I think she is only 7 years old, has even had a book published which helps other children to cope with a parent who suffers from this complaint. This inspiring message had me scurrying to look for more information.
More than half a million people in the UK have epilepsy, which equates to approximately 1 in 100 people. Epilepsy can affect anyone, of any age, race, or sex, at any time from any walk of life. It appears that some are born with epilepsy, which could indicate a genetic issue, whilst for others it can develop later in life. It can occur for various reasons.
According to Dr. Rakshith Bharadwaj, it is a “neurological disorder that causes seizures or unusual sensations and behaviours.”
I will hazard a guess that you will not have been aware of some well-known people who, are or who have suffered from, epilepsy. Popular music stars Prince (the Purple Rain chap) and Neil Young, Vladimir Lenin, Caligula, actor Danny Glover and Elton John are all sufferers. On investigation, I also found that George Gershwin and possibly even Julius Caesar were similarly afflicted.
Historically, ignorance of the complaint caused misunderstanding and fear. Even the Royal family felt the need to mask the problem when it affected the
Eddie Peacock has worked in the mobility industry for “rather a long time”. He enjoyed a challenging career having started by selling wheelchairs, scooters and stairlifts for Sunrise Medical, eventually working his way to the position of UK sales manager. After a period as a self-employed consultant he was invited to manage movingpeople.net, then Handicare Ltd, in
Peacock
young prince, John. He sadly died back in 1919 at only 13 years of age. It would have been understandably difficult and confusing for them all. Epilepsy was completely misunderstood in the early years of the 20th century.
Modern medicine and technology have improved the treatment and understanding of epilepsy. It is now known that seizures, a common manifestation for sufferers, can be caused by irregular electric impulses from the brain. As a result of these considerable discoveries and the amazing changes in communications, attitudes towards such diseases have improved. There is a greater understanding of the disease and there is plenty of help and guidance available.
Help is at hand. There are now numerous charities, worldwide, dedicated to the development of research into the disease and also providing help and support for sufferers and their carers. One such charity is;
We are the UK’s only charity transforming the lives of people with epilepsy through world-leading research, advocacy and care. We put people at the heart of everything that we do; and we hope to see the day when epilepsy is irrelevant. Another is;
The purpose of this charity is to raise awareness of epilepsy, building a community of shared experiences giving individuals a voice to connect and feel supported.
International Epilepsy Day is a special event which promotes awareness of epilepsy in more than 120 countries each year. Every year on the second Monday of February people join together to celebrate and highlight the problems faced by people with epilepsy, their families, and carers.
the UK. In recent years he held the post of Marketing Manager for Mobility which also involved supporting and working with the BHTA.
He has now retired and is looking forward to finding the time to perform useful tasks in the industry, playing drums in a blues band, travelling and most important, being silly with his grandchildren.
The next International day is: Monday 13 February 2023
These good folk are based in Godalming, Surrey and they perform heroic feats whilst improving the lives of those suffering from this difficult disease.
As ever, I have found this investigation a most rewarding exercise. I am a somewhat whimsical philosopher and this exploration into an invisible disability has proved both rewarding and stimulating.
Thank you Sarah, for that email you sent us. Your story and the sign on the toilet door have led me to a greater understanding of epilepsy and other invisible diseases. You can`t see kindness, or love. You can`t see strong character or self-determination, but you can see their effects.
