Brainwave – The Irish Epilepsy Association – Shedding a light on epilepsy

A huge thank you to Brainwave member Gillian Fagan from Swords who organised a whole group from the businesses at Applewood shopping centre in the town to skydive with her for Brainwave.

Despite one abandoned effort due to high winds, the group set off for Offaly again in November and this time, ignoring the cold the jump thankfully went ahead. It's been an ambition of Gillian's to do a skydive for Brainwave since she had epilepsy surgery some years ago which has helped bring her seizures under control. Gillian's enthusiasm for the cause recruited plenty of volunteers from local businesses at Applewood village in Swords and we would like to thank the owners, staff and customers at Adam's Apple cafe, Eurospar and Tonsor Hairdressers for their support of the event. Thanks also to Colmcilles GAA club who also helped with the fundraising effort at the clubhouse.

Most importantly, congratulations to all those who took part - Lynne Hartigan, Peter Lodge, Margaret Symes, Kasia Ludwiczak, Sean Boyd, Lorcan Delaney, Ciaran Johnson, Tanya Murray, Karlann Hall, Aoife Burke, Roisin Madigan, Kloe Hand, Megan Madden, Glenda Grogan, Fiona Corr, Alan Burke, Dave Gormley, Clarissa Nardone and of course Gillian herself.

Skydiving has been one of the big fundraising activities of 2009 but please note that it is not a recommended activity for people with active epilepsy. If you are interested in supporting Brainwave's fundraising and your epilepsy is not controlled, do not consider doing a skydive. Even if your seizures ARE under control, you must always discuss it with your neurologist and ensure that he/she is satisfied it is safe for you to participate.

If you don't have a diagnosis of epilepsy or if your neurologist has cleared you to participate, you can get more information from us here at Brainwave (info@epilepsy.ie) or by contacting one of the parachute clubs listed below:

• Skydive Ireland - www.skydiveireland.ie
• The Irish Parachute Club - www.skydive.ie
• Skydive4Charity - www.skydive4charity.ie.