The tireless voluntary work of a Ballynahinch woman has been recognised by national charity Epilepsy Action.
Aislinn Carlile picked up the Volunteer of the Year accolade at the first Epilepsy Action Awards, held in Leeds this week for her inspirational work.
The Epilepsy Action Awards recognise and celebrate the efforts made to improve the lives of people with epilepsy. A total of 12 awards were presented at the event in Leeds Civic Hall, honouring the work and commitment of volunteers, fundraisers, schools, employers and healthcare professionals.
Aislinn Carlile volunteers for Epilepsy Action Northern Ireland’s Ballynahinch coffee and chat group. Located in a rural area, the group gives people affected by epilepsy a much-needed opportunity to meet face-to-face and find support and guidance.
Christine Bailey nominated Aislinn for the volunteer’s award. She started attending the group as Georgina, her 13-year-old daughter, was diagnosed with epilepsy as a baby. She said: “It can be very isolating having a child with special medical needs. But from the first meeting, I was made to feel at home. Aislinn has a vast amount of experience as a supportive volunteer and a real understanding of life with epilepsy.”
Aislinn’s dedication, and the impact she has on all she meets, has made the coffee and chat group a success. She is always warm and welcoming to new attendees. Christine added: “She has a down-to-earth attitude and relates to others whose life, and the lives of those they love, have been touched by epilepsy. She is a great support to us all. Her work is invaluable to the group, and to Epilepsy Action Northern Ireland.”
Aislinn is also working alongside Clare Watson, manager for Epilepsy Action Northern Ireland, helping to explore new ways for the charity to connect people in rural areas. Recently, she has thrown herself into a newly piloted role of community engagement volunteer. Clare presented Aislinn with the award and explained the vital contribution she had made to support people with epilepsy across the country.
Accepting the award, Aislinn Carlile said: “Forty years ago, an epilepsy diagnosis was a very lonely and frightening one. No one wanted to talk about it. Now, thank goodness, Epilepsy Action are there to provide support, raise awareness and campaign for better resources. I am very happy to continue to help them.”
Philip Lee, chief executive at Epilepsy Action said: “We’re delighted to acknowledge Aislinn’s exceptional volunteering at this year’s Epilepsy Action Awards. This award is a deserved tribute to all her efforts and successes.
“As a charity we rely on the support of people who are committed to improving the lives of people with epilepsy. These awards reflect the wonderful work of the recipients and mark our appreciation for their passion and commitment to supporting people with epilepsy. Those recognised have played a very special role in helping us to improve the lives of the 600,000 people with epilepsy across the UK.”
Epilepsy affects around one in every 100 people in the UK alone. There are some 20,000 people living with epilepsy in Northern Ireland. Each year, Epilepsy Action directly helps over two million people through a range of services, including its Epilepsy Action Helpline, freephone 0808 800 5050, support group network and on the website:
