Longford Teen Receives Epilepsy Ireland Volunteer of the Year Award
In a ceremony at Epilepsy Ireland’s national conference, the charity recognised a local Longford teen, Rebecca Reid, as the recipient of its annual Volunteer of the Year award. The honour highlights Rebecca’s dedication to raising awareness about epilepsy and supporting others living with the condition.
About Epilepsy Ireland and the Award
Epilepsy Ireland is the national non-profit patient organisation representing people with epilepsy and their families. Its vision is to achieve a society where no person’s life is limited by epilepsy. The Volunteer of the Year award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond to help educate the public, support families, and advance the organisation’s mission.
Rebecca’s Journey and Impact
Rebecca Reid, aged 14, lives with a severe form of epilepsy and experiences seizures on an almost daily basis. Despite the challenges, she maintains an incredibly positive outlook and uses her personal experiences to educate others about epilepsy. Her work with Epilepsy Ireland focuses on practical, life-saving information for seizure response and ongoing fundraising that benefits the entire epilepsy community.
Advocacy and Education
Advocacy & Communications Manager Paddy McGeoghegan described Rebecca as a standout advocate for the organization’s message of TIME, SAFE, STAY. This initiative provides clear guidance on what to do during a seizure and emphasizes the importance of staying calm, marking emergency steps, and seeking help when needed. Rebecca has contributed by recording videos for Epilepsy Ireland’s major awareness days, helping to spread essential knowledge in a relatable, accessible way.
Fundraising and Community Involvement
Beyond awareness, Rebecca has led several impactful fundraisers, often supported by her local community. These efforts not only raise crucial funds for research and support services but also help normalize conversations about epilepsy within her area. A recurring thread in her work is family involvement: Rebecca’s younger sister Emma has consistently supported her journey, underscoring the vital role families play in navigating epilepsy.
Acknowledgement of Family Support
In presenting the award, Epilepsy Ireland recognised Rebecca, Emma, and their family as a powerful example of resilience and solidarity. The organisation noted that family backing can be a transformative force in the life of a person living with epilepsy, enabling sustained advocacy and community engagement over many years.
Rebecca’s Mother Speaks
Rebecca’s mother, Gráinne, expressed immense pride and gratitude. “We are beyond pleased to see Rebecca’s and Emma’s efforts recognised,” she said. “Rebecca has a particularly challenging form of the condition, but she never lets it get her down and is such an inspiration to us all.” She added that Rebecca’s drive has encouraged the family to participate in a range of fundraising and awareness events for Epilepsy Ireland. The moment of the award notification—“the phone call telling us Rebecca’s efforts were recognised”—is a memory the family will carry forward with joy.
Looking Ahead
Rebecca’s recognition shines a light on the potential of young people to contribute meaningfully to health charities and to change public perceptions of epilepsy. Epilepsy Ireland’s Volunteer of the Year award serves as a platform for Rebecca to expand her advocacy, potentially inspiring other youths in Longford and beyond to engage with epilepsy education and fundraising efforts.
Community and National Impact
Rebecca’s story resonates beyond her own municipality. By sharing practical seizure safety tips, producing educational content, and rallying community support, she helps advance Epilepsy Ireland’s overarching aim: a society where no person’s life is limited by epilepsy. Her achievements reflect a broader trend of young volunteers playing a central role in health advocacy and public health education across Ireland.
