A dedicated group of local motorcycle enthusiasts has successfully raised a significant sum of money to fund essential epilepsy bed alarms for young patients receiving care at Wirral University Teaching Hospital. This heartfelt community initiative was directly inspired by the experiences of Ethan Brown, a child supported by the Children’s Epilepsy Service based at Arrowe Park Hospital.
Ethan's Story: A Family's Night-Time Fears
Ethan was diagnosed with focal epilepsy when he was just two years old. His condition led to a prolonged seizure, followed by his first tonic-clonic seizure, which left his family intensely worried about his safety during the night. His mother, Anna Brown, described the profound impact this had on their household.
“Once we were home, I was terrified,” Anna recalled. “I kept thinking, what if it happens in bed and I don’t wake up? I wasn’t sleeping at all.” The constant anxiety over Ethan’s well-being while he slept became a daily struggle for the family.
From Personal Help to Community Mission
After learning about the family’s ordeal, Anna’s friend Pete, together with his network of biker companions and relatives, decided to take action. They initially aimed to raise funds to purchase a single epilepsy bed alarm specifically for Ethan. However, this personal gesture quickly evolved into a broader charitable campaign.
“My friend Pete came around with his biker mates and came up with the idea of raising money to buy us an epilepsy bed alarm,” Anna explained. “We then kept going, raising enough to buy more alarms for other children who attend the epilepsy clinic at Arrowe Park.”
Remarkable Fundraising Success
Through a well-supported charity raffle and widespread community backing, the group managed to raise an impressive £1,400. This sum funded an alarm for Ethan and three other young patients, with additional funds reserved for any future equipment Ethan might require.
The fundraising drive benefited from the generous contributions of a wide network, including:
- Local bikers who donated prizes and purchased raffle tickets.
- Community members and businesses who rallied behind the cause.
- A generous £500 donation from local funeral director Sue Porter.
- An additional £415 raised by Anna through an online auction to fund more alarms.
Anna emphasised the transformative effect of the alarm: “That epilepsy alarm has saved all our lives. I go to sleep knowing there’s an aid that will alert us if he has a seizure in bed.”
How the Alarms Make a Difference
The alarms have been donated via WUTH Charity and distributed to families under the care of the Children’s Epilepsy Service. These devices are crucial as they alert parents or carers to seizure activity during sleep, enabling a rapid response and helping to mitigate risks, including the threat of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).
Addressing a Critical Need
The Children’s Epilepsy Service at Arrowe Park Hospital provides support to approximately 270 children with various epilepsy conditions. While families receive guidance on risk management, access to specialist equipment like bed alarms is often restricted due to high costs and stringent eligibility criteria.
Sara Morris, Paediatric Epilepsy Nurse Specialist at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, commented: “We see first-hand how worried families can feel, particularly at night. Having access to epilepsy bed alarms helps parents respond quickly to seizure activity and supports safer care at home. This donation will make a meaningful difference to the children and families we support.”
Dr Nikki Stevenson, Deputy Chief Executive at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, added: “This generous community fundraising effort has made a real difference to families caring for children with epilepsy. Thanks to this support, more families now have access to specialist equipment that can help protect children living with epilepsy.”
Ongoing Community Support
Funds raised through WUTH Charity continue to support projects that resonate with local communities, enhancing care and improving experiences for patients and families across Wirral University Teaching Hospital. The charity welcomes further engagement from those wishing to fundraise, donate, partner, or share ideas for future appeals.
