An invitation has been extended to the Deniliquin and surrounding community members to come for morning tea and help raise awareness and vital funds for Epilepsy Action Australia.
Local resident Liz Gough - who has epilepsy - is hosting a Purple Day for Epilepsy Awareness on Tuesday, March 26.
“It is about raising awareness for epilepsy and epileptics,” Liz said.
“It’s also about getting some fundraising to support Epilepsy Action Australia and Purple Day.”
Liz has experienced epilepsy her whole life, and has other family members with the condition.
A personal ambition, the event has been years in the making.
“We were planning to host our first Purple Day 10 years ago, but I had a severe seizure,” Liz said.
“I had always had epilepsy, but the seizures were mostly controlled before then.
“I have lived in Blighty all my life, working and raising my children, but that seizure changed my life.”
Liz will share more of that experience, and the impact it has had on her life, at the morning tea.
Also speaking will be Deniliquin Ambulance NSW paramedic Michael Everett.
Liz said she expects it will be an emotional day, but that it is important to build awareness.
“There are at least 60 different types of seizures. People with epilepsy experience many different types, degrees and levels of seizures in their life.
“It’s hard to believe, and you may not see it all the time, but according to Epilepsy Action Australia, up to 3.5 per cent of Australians will experience epilepsy at some point in their lives.
“I’m always learning more information about epilepsy, and the doctors say they are always learning something new every time they talk to me.”
A series of activities have been planned as part of the morning, which include lucky door prizes, raffle prizes, a best-dressed prize and “purple” activities.
Purple art created by Liz and Kurrajong clients with epilepsy, intended to show what they see and feel when experiencing seizures, will be on display and available for sale.
The event is supported by donations from Mikki Amor, Deniliquin Betta, Wired Entertainment, Leaves and Vines, and Deniliquin Florist.
Liz also has merchandise provided to her by Aussie songstress Jessica Mauboy to boost the fundraiser.
The Purple Day morning team will be held Tuesday, March 26, from 10am to 12.30pm at the Intereach Neighbourhood Centre in Trickett St, Deniliquin.
Entry is by gold coin donation.