Fundraising for Change: Sarah’s Dedication to Helping Others

At Carers Support, we are incredibly grateful for the dedication and generosity of our supporters. One such remarkable individual is Sarah, who has fundraised over £1500 for us over the past 10 years. We recently had the privilege of speaking with Sarah about her experience with epilepsy and mental health issues, the support she’s received from her family and how she’s given back with fundraising. We're excited to share her inspiring story.

Can you tell me about the role of caring in the life of your family?

I've had epilepsy since I was seven, and it's gradually worsened over the years. As a result, both of my children have grown up as young carers. They're always on alert in case I have a seizure. My son, Damey, is at university in Cheltenham now, but they still come back during the holidays. Just before they went back to university recently, I had a big seizure in the shower. I had just enough time to shout for Damey, who helped guide me out. The next thing I remember, I was slumped on the bed, and my husband was deciding whether to call an ambulance.

My seizures are unpredictable, so my family is always prepared. Simple tasks like cooking are hazardous, so I need someone with me when I cook. A charity recently provided an induction hob, which switches off automatically if a pan is removed, reducing fire risk. The council also installed a level-access shower because I’ve had seizures in the bath before. Sadly, I lost a friend 20 years ago when he had a seizure in his sleep, so safety is always on our minds.

I've lost three jobs and my driver’s licence three times due to my epilepsy. There are over 60 types of seizures, and people often misunderstand what epilepsy looks like. Many assume it’s always collapsing and convulsing, but I experience absence seizures where I might suddenly seem lost in thought, repeat words, or even stagger like I'm drunk. I’ve never had alcohol because I’ve been on medication since I was seven, but I've been judged for looking drunk when I was actually having a seizure.

How have your family cared for you?

They support me both with my epilepsy and my mental health. I have anxiety, depression, and an eating disorder, which my family helps me manage. They reassure me when I’m struggling, reminding me that it’s okay to treat myself and that I don’t need to worry about my weight so much. I used to be 20 stone, and even though I’ve lost over 10 stone, I still see myself as that size. My family helps me see reality and reassures me when I need it.

How did you get started with fundraising?

I think one of the first fundraising things I did was when Damey received £200 from a care home donation. Over time, I found that charity work gave me a sense of purpose. Standing in the local supermarket with a collection tin, chatting to people, and spreading awareness felt meaningful. Some people would share their own experiences as carers, and I could direct them towards support like the Young Carers service. It was a way to give back to charities that had supported me.

My mum also encouraged me to volunteer as a teenager. In 1996, she got me involved with the British Heart Foundation in Kingswood. I loved it—the manager would bring in donuts for us as a thank-you, and I felt valued. Over the years, I tried different jobs, but my epilepsy made it difficult to keep them. After losing multiple jobs, I turned to volunteering and fundraising full-time. One of my most memorable fundraisers was a sponsored head shave when I was having brain surgery in 2016. I thought, ‘I’m going to lose my hair anyway, so why not do it for charity?’ I raised £265 for an epilepsy charity.

What has been the most impactful support you and your family have received?

Young Carers events have been brilliant for my children. They’ve attended activities where they met other young carers and realised they weren’t alone. Before that, they often felt isolated, as many of their friends didn’t fully understand what it meant to be a young carer. It made a huge difference in their confidence and well-being. I remember Lauren coming home proudly with a decorated record she made at one of the sessions. It wasn’t just about the creative activity; it was about the connection she made with others who knew exactly what she was going through.

How has creativity helped you with your mental health?

Writing has been really helpful for me, as has playing the piano. My granddad taught me when I was little, and I loved making up my own songs. I want to get back into it, but sometimes my eating disorder makes me feel guilty about sitting still to play. My children are creative too—Damey loved acting and studied drama for two years at college before heading to university. Lauren recently performed in a school play and did brilliantly.

Raising Awareness

When I visit my GP, I always notice an advert about young carers on the waiting room TV. It shows children helping their parents with medication or doctors’ appointments while their friends don’t understand why they’re often late or cancel plans. The advert ends positively, showing young carers finding support and community. Raising awareness is so important—it helps stop young carers from feeling isolated.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I just want to emphasise how rewarding it is to give something back. Whether it’s fundraising, raising awareness, or supporting a charity in another way, every little bit helps. I’ve raised about £20,000 over the years and donated over a thousand epilepsy information packs to schools. This Saturday *, I’m holding a jumble sale at St James Church in Mangotsfield to raise funds. Friends and family have donated books and other items to sell, so hopefully, we can reach the target.

We are so grateful to Sarah for her dedication and generosity. Her resilience and commitment to supporting others are truly inspiring.

If you’re interested in fundraising to help carers and young carers, please visit our fundraising page or email us on supporter@carersbsg.org.uk

Sarah also wrote a chapter in Grit & Grace, a book featuring many stories of women battling and overcoming challenges in their lives. Grit & Grace was released on International Women’s Day and all profits go to women’s aid.

Her son Damien, formerly Layla, wrote an Epilepsy book for kids about epilepsy awareness, the proceeds of which go to epilepsy charities.

*This discussion occurred earlier in the year, so this jumble sale has already happened.