05-03-2025
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.
