I AM writing to ask your readers to seek out and celebrate the epilepsy heroes in your community.

Epilepsy affects over 51,000 across the South West, some of them helped by truly inspirational people.

Those who think nothing of going out of their way to lend a hand or even save a life, when someone really needs it.

This year, national charity Epilepsy Action wants to thank them and honour their efforts publicly with a Helping Hands 2021 award.

This past year has been such an unsettling time, especially for those living with invisible conditions like epilepsy.

Pandemic or not, so many people and families have struggled behind closed doors.

Community heroes have often been a lifeline, stepping up in a crisis.

It could be a teacher who has been a legend in lockdown. A total stranger who rallied during a seizure. Or a local group who took on an epic fundraiser for epilepsy.

Whoever they are, we want to hear all about them.

Last year, my daughter eight-year-old Sienna picked up an award for the care she gives to her sister, who has severe epilepsy and complex needs.

Sienna does so much each day and this thankless job goes unnoticed by the outside world.

She is a remarkable little girl, who doesn’t even know the difference she makes to her sister’s life. I wanted to tell her – and everyone else – how proud we are of her.

This summer, Epilepsy Action would love for your readers to be inspired by amazing people like Sienna, and to nominate more Helping Hands heroes.

To do this, visit epilepsy.org.uk/awards before August 15.

We can’t wait to hear about your heroes, to celebrate and to thank them, on behalf of people with epilepsy everywhere.

DEE APPLEBY

Mum to 2020 award winner Sienna