A 12-year-old girl from Cardiff has received a prestigious national award for her remarkable courage and positive outlook while living with epilepsy and other complex health conditions.
Celebrating Hope's Strength and Resilience
Hope Lowery was presented with an Epilepsy Star Award from the leading charity Epilepsy Action. She was nominated by her mother, Kelsey, four years after her initial epilepsy diagnosis. Since that first diagnosis, Hope has also been diagnosed with ADHD, a language disorder, and non-epileptic seizures.
Her family reports that she has faced each new challenge and diagnosis with incredible strength and a resilient spirit, refusing to let her conditions define her.
Thriving with the Right Support
After a difficult period involving severe seizures and changes to her medication, Hope moved to a specialist high school in January 2025. This change, coupled with the correct support, has been transformative.
Hope is now thriving at her new school. She has joined the football team, participated in school trips, and, most importantly, rediscovered her confidence. Outside of school, her passion is dance, which she has practised since she was four years old. Her mother says it is during dance that Hope's confidence shines brightest.
A Voice for Awareness and Understanding
Upon receiving the award, Hope shared her hope to raise awareness about epilepsy and non-epileptic seizures, particularly within schools. She wants to help others understand that it's okay to be different and that not all disabilities are visible.
Rebekah Smith, chief executive of Epilepsy Action, said Hope's courage and determination were an inspiration. She added that Hope represents what is possible when people with epilepsy are supported to live without limits.
The charity highlighted that epilepsy affects around one in 100 people in the UK, with nearly 40,000 people living with the condition in Wales alone. Epilepsy Action continues to campaign for better services, raise awareness, and provide vital support to individuals and families affected by epilepsy.
