'He's been there when things got too much!' Telford grandad praised for incredible support of granddaughter with epilepsy

Georgia, who was just 18 at the time, said: “After my second seizure, I made the difficult decision to move back. For the next year I felt hopeless. I had to give up everything I worked hard for.

"I stopped scuba training, I stopped going out, my mental health was worse than it had ever been. I watched all my friends achieve so much while I felt stagnant."

Thankfully, Georgia had a hero Grandad who supported her through every step of her epilepsy journey.

Known as G-Pa, Alan Davies, was there for his granddaughter through all of her crying episodes, every neurology appointment and even encouraged her to pursue medical research in the epilepsy field.

The 73-year-old from Telford has now received an Epilepsy Star award by national charity Epilepsy Action, for his unwavering support, care and encouragement of his granddaughter.

Georgia, who is now 23 said: “I nominated my grandfather as my Epilepsy Star because he has always been there to share the emotional burden of my epilepsy.

"Without him I would be struggling with my mental health, I wouldn’t have been able to carry on at university and he has given me the confidence to do further medical research.

"I don’t think I will ever be able to put the impact he has had on my life into words, but I’ll try my best."

The diagnosis and medication process was really difficult for Georgia.

When Georgia moved back home, she decided to re-start her academic career by pursuing a Biochemistry degree.

But in her second year of her Biochemistry degree, she was taken off medication due to her seizures initially being attributed to a mental health issue, and her condition drastically worsened.

During this time, she ended up having more than 70 seizures in the span of three months.

Throughout the process, G-Pa Alan was always there for her, and provided an immense amount of support in all aspects of Georgia’s life.

“Of all the people in my life, my grandfather has supported me the most. He drove me to and from university every day when I was unable to take public transport," Georgia said.

"He’s been with me to all my neurology and epileptologist appointments, with video evidence to show them, which is important in getting an epilepsy diagnosis.

“But most of all he’s been there when things got too much. He has comforted me through many crying episodes, he rushes over day or night if I have a seizure or feel ill.

"I fell down the stairs during a seizure once and he was there within three minutes. G-Pa took me to hospital and told the nurses how urgent it was, he sat with me and held my hand when they put me on oxygen.”

After being referred to an epileptologist, Georgia finally gained better seizure control.

In her third year of university in Biochemistry, she decided she wanted to pursue medical research in neurological conditions after completing her degree.

“My grandad inspired me to do research into epilepsy. I don’t want anyone to go through the pain of watching a family member with epilepsy, and while I know that’s not possible, I hope to ease some of the burden," Georgia said.

"He has always engaged in current research, reading articles I send him and finding his own to better understand my condition.

"When I need somewhere to go, his door is always open. He always has snacks and vegan ice cream too.

“My mother says: ‘The way he looks after Georgia gives me added security of knowing someone loves and looks after her like I do’.

“He has never stopped believing in me and shows it every day through little gestures, he’d never admit to how much he worries but I know and appreciate it all the same.

"I want to thank him for all the help and support he has provided, his kindness, compassion and care has made all the difference in my life.

“His efforts to connect me with medical professionals and resources when I had given up has been invaluable.

"He has been an advocate for me when I needed it most, his unwavering support has brought me confidence and comfort during this time.

"I can’t thank him enough for the positive impact he has made in my life, I will always remember that he gave me strength and helped me navigate appointments and life in general.

"Thank you for being an ally, friend and amazing grandfather, I couldn’t have made it through this without you. I love you.”

The Epilepsy Star awards are given to those who go above-and-beyond to support someone with epilepsy.

Accepting his Epilepsy Star award, Alan said: “I’m absolutely speechless – my granddaughter is worth all the hassle. I know my help, support and understanding is appreciated and I thank Epilepsy Action for their recognition.”

Philip Lee, chief executive at Epilepsy Action, said: “We are delighted to recognise the invaluable support Alan has given Georgia through the years with an Epilepsy Star award.

"Day in and day out, we hear about the struggles of coming to terms with an epilepsy diagnosis from the people we support, from the medical aspects to the mental health repercussions.

"Alan has been an incredible source of support and care for Georgia in all aspects of her journey with the condition, and we are over the moon to recognise him for it.”

For more information about Epilepsy Action’s Star Awards, or to nominate someone, visit epilepsy.org.uk/stars.