Latest news with #EpilepsyScotland


Daily Record
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Lanarkshire golf tournament in Natalie's memory raises record amount for Epilepsy Scotland
The event at Wishaw Golf Club is the fundraising highlight of the year An annual golf tournament organised by a foundation set up in memory of a Lanarkshire schoolgirl raised a record amount at this year's event. The Funky Natz Foundation was set up by the parents of 11-year-old Natalie Hughes who died suddenly in March 2011. Natalie's mum and dad Eileen and Eddie launched the fundraising initiative following the unexplained death of their daughter, who had epilepsy. The foundation has kept Natalie's memory alive while raising money for Epilepsy Scotland. Download the Lanarkshire Live app today The annual golf tournament at Wishaw Golf Club is the fundraising highlight of the year and featured a top-prize of a brand new car, courtesy of Park's Renault Motherwell, as a prize for a hole-in-one at one of the greens. Before this year's tournament the total raised stood at more than £160,000 and the committee hoped to take that to around the £170,000 mark. However, this year's event raised an incredible record total of £16,153 in the East Kilbride girl's memory. Around 140 golfers took part in 35 teams of four, with a Renault Clio Evolution TCe 90 up for grabs for a hole-in-one, worth almost £20,000. No one managed to take the top prize but that didn't stop anyone from enjoying a fantastic day. Tournament winners were Liam McGarry and Paul McMahon, who also had the best back nine, runners-up were Tam Wotherspoon and Grant Robertson, and finishing in third place were Brian Donahue and George Campbell. There was also a tournament within the tournament this year and the Natalie Hughes Cup, courtesy of Epilepsy Scotland, was presented to Wullie McCulloch who had the best individual score on the day. Th Funky Natz Foundation Committee would like to thank sponsors, Park's Motor Group, KPP Chartered Accountants, Watson Towers, Natgem Ltd and Halls Coaches. More information on the Funky Natz Foundation is available on its Facebook page. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.


Scotsman
25-05-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Spike in Scots living with epilepsy as charity launches awareness drive
Fears that thousands of Scots may be at risk without adequate support Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Far more people in Scotland are living with epilepsy than has previously been reported amid calls from a leading charity to boost awareness about the condition. Epilepsy Scotland pointed to new statistics which shows that an estimated 80,406 people in the country are living with epilepsy. It has raised concerns that thousands of Scots could be at risk without adequate support. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Although it has long been one of the most prevalent neurological conditions nationally, that figure, detailed in statistics published by Public Health Scotland, the national health agency, represents an increase of 38.6 per cent on the longstanding figure of 58,000 cited by charities, health services, and politicians. Roughly one in every 100 Scots has epilepsy. Picture: Epilepsy Scotland Now, as part of National Epilepsy Week, the leading charity has called for more open and informed conversations about epilepsy and its risks, including sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), a rare and fatal complication. The charity, which works to ensure people living with epilepsy have access to high quality medical, social, educational, and support services, and can be free from stigma and discrimination, said the updated figures showing the number of people living with epilepsy highlighted the importance of ensuring that those affected receive appropriate support. Lesslie Young, Epilepsy Scotland's chief executive, said: 'These new figures give us a clearer picture of the number of people affected by epilepsy in Scotland today. Most people with epilepsy live full, independent lives — but for some, the condition brings more complex challenges. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Our campaign this year focuses on ensuring that people with epilepsy, their families, and clinicians are supported to have sensitive, open conversations about SUDEP. With greater understanding comes greater confidence to manage risk and support wellbeing.' Epilepsy Scotland's Lesslie Young | Epilepsy Scotland SUDEP refers to the sudden, unexpected death of a person with epilepsy, where no other cause of death is found. While uncommon, it is one of the most serious potential outcomes of epilepsy. Research suggests that up to 12 per cent of people with difficult-to-manage epilepsy may be affected. In Scotland, it is estimated that up to two people die each week as a result of SUDEP, yet many individuals and families remain unaware of the risk. Separate Public Health Scotland data shows there has been a clear increase in the number of deaths in Scotland where epilepsy was recorded as the underlying cause on the death certificate. While there were 104 such deaths recorded in 2008, the number stood at 135 in 2023. The number of men dying where epilepsy is deemed to be the underlying cause went up from 68 to 79 over the same period, with the respective figures for women also up, from 36 to 56. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Epilepsy Scotland's current campaign, The Seizure that Stole a Future, is focused on sharing personal stories of people whose lives were cut short by epilepsy in an attempt to bolster recognition of the emotional and practical realities families face.


Scotsman
25-05-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Spike in Scots living with epilepsy as charity launches awareness drive
Fears that thousands of Scots may be at risk without adequate support Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Far more people in Scotland are living with epilepsy than has previously been reported amid calls from a leading charity to boost awareness about the condition. Epilepsy Scotland pointed to new statistics which shows that an estimated 80,406 people in the country are living with epilepsy. It has raised concerns that thousands of Scots could be at risk without adequate support. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Although it has long been one of the most prevalent neurological conditions nationally, that figure, detailed in statistics published by Public Health Scotland, the national health agency, represents an increase of 38.6 per cent on the longstanding figure of 58,000 cited by charities, health services, and politicians. Roughly one in every 100 Scots has epilepsy. Picture: Epilepsy Scotland Now, as part of National Epilepsy Week, the leading charity has called for more open and informed conversations about epilepsy and its risks, including sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), a rare and fatal complication. The charity, which works to ensure people living with epilepsy have access to high quality medical, social, educational, and support services, and can be free from stigma and discrimination, said the updated figures showing the number of people living with epilepsy highlighted the importance of ensuring that those affected receive appropriate support. Lesslie Young, Epilepsy Scotland's chief executive, said: 'These new figures give us a clearer picture of the number of people affected by epilepsy in Scotland today. Most people with epilepsy live full, independent lives — but for some, the condition brings more complex challenges. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Our campaign this year focuses on ensuring that people with epilepsy, their families, and clinicians are supported to have sensitive, open conversations about SUDEP. With greater understanding comes greater confidence to manage risk and support wellbeing.' Epilepsy Scotland's Lesslie Young | Epilepsy Scotland SUDEP refers to the sudden, unexpected death of a person with epilepsy, where no other cause of death is found. While uncommon, it is one of the most serious potential outcomes of epilepsy. Research suggests that up to 12 per cent of people with difficult-to-manage epilepsy may be affected. In Scotland, it is estimated that up to two people die each week as a result of SUDEP, yet many individuals and families remain unaware of the risk. Separate Public Health Scotland data shows there has been a clear increase in the number of deaths in Scotland where epilepsy was recorded as the underlying cause on the death certificate. While there were 104 such deaths recorded in 2008, the number stood at 135 in 2023. The number of men dying where epilepsy is deemed to be the underlying cause went up from 68 to 79 over the same period, with the respective figures for women also up, from 36 to 56. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Epilepsy Scotland's current campaign, The Seizure that Stole a Future, is focused on sharing personal stories of people whose lives were cut short by epilepsy in an attempt to bolster recognition of the emotional and practical realities families face.


Daily Record
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Golfers hoping for fair weather as they prepare to drive on in memory of Lanarkshire schoolgirl
An annual golf tournament that raises funds for Epilepsy Scotland in memory of a Lanarkshire schoolgirl is returning to Wishaw Golf Club. The Funky Natz Foundation was set up by the parents of 11-year-old Natalie Hughes who died suddenly in March 2011. Natalie's mum and dad Eileen and Eddie launched the charity foundation following the unexplained death of their daughter, who had epilepsy. Over the years the foundation has kept the memory of the East Kilbride girl alive in people's minds, and has raised a staggering total of over £160,000. The annual golf tournament is the fundraising highlight of the year and features a brand new car, courtesy of Park's Renault Motherwell, as a prize for a hole-in-one at one of the greens. This year 140 golfers will take part in 35 teams of four, and it's a Renault Clio Evolution TCe 90 that's up for grabs for a hole-in-one, worth almost £20,000. Fantastic prizes are also on offer to those who manage a hole-in-one at a number of the other pins. Natalie's uncle, Iain Cairns from Wishaw, forms part of the committee and helps organise the event each year. He said: 'There's a maximum of 35 teams of four and Park's Motor Group are the main sponsors again, and all proceeds will be going again to Epilepsy Scotland. 'We keep a small fund just in case we don't get a sponsor and decided we would use that to sponsor Wishaw Wycombe Wanderers 2019s and get them a new training kit. 'KPP Chartered Accountants are always really good with us and have spent a lot of money to sponsor the free gift again for the golfers, and Watson Towers are backing us again. We've been given a four-ball at Royal Troon as a prize which is well sought after, so hopefully we get a few quid for that in the raffle. "Natgem Ltd and Halls Coaches are also backing us again. We'd like to thank all of them for their support, they always look after us. 'Let's hope we get better weather than last year when it was bucketing rain. It was a wash-out, so credit to everyone who turned up, only one team pulled out. We have a real loyal band who turn up and play every year, so hopefully we get a good day this year.' The Funky Natz Foundation golf tournament will take place on Sunday, May 25, this year. More information on the Funky Natz Foundation is available on its Facebook page. For more information on Epilepsy Scotland, visit: * Don't miss the latest he adlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here . And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook ? Head on over and give us a like and share!
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Rutherglen man's story told in epilepsy documentary shortlisted for film award
A heartfelt documentary about a Rutherglen man who died from epilepsy has been shortlisted for an award. The film tells the story of Graeme Hart, a 35-year-old who died from epilepsy, through the eyes of his mother, Irene, and sister, Carolann. The documentary, created by Urbancroft Films, highlights the urgent need for more research funding to understand the causes of epilepsy-related deaths. It has earned Epilepsy Scotland a place on the shortlist for the Smiley Charity Film Awards, a cause-based film campaign. It has been shortlisted in the £1 million to £2.5 million turnover category. The film is available to watch at Lesslie Young OBE, chief executive of Epilepsy Scotland, said: "We are delighted that Graeme's story has been shortlisted for a Charity Film Award. "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." 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 red-carpet ceremony on Thursday, March 20, at indigo at the O2.