Stevenson Goes Purple for Epilepsy Day

Stewart Stevenson, SNP MSP for Banffshire & Buchan Coast, wore a purple ribbon in the Scottish Parliament today (Thursday) to mark International Purple Day while hundreds of Epilepsy Scotland supporters organised events across Scotland.

Mr Stevenson said:

“Purple Day is a light hearted way for the public to learn about a difficult and often hidden condition. One in 97 of my constituents have epilepsy and it can affect more than their health. Too often the social impact of epilepsy can be harder to live with than the seizures. The best awareness campaigns help people to understand more about an issue so they want to make change happen. Today I wore purple with pride to support Epilepsy Scotland’s campaign.”

Epilepsy is defined as repeated seizures that start in the brain. A brief disturbance in the brain's normal electrical activity causes the nerve cells to fire off random signals, and the result is like an electrical storm that causes a temporary overload in the brain.

Epilepsy is the most common, serious neurological disorder in the world.

Leslie Young, Chief Executive of Epilepsy Scotland added:

“Everyone can enjoy being part of Purple Day, whether you are at school, work or having a rest on 26 March. We truly value MSPs for getting involved and making this a special day for 54,000 people living with epilepsy in Scotland.”