Page 28 - link magazine

28 swindonlink.com • February 2011
Epilepsy group provides support to Swindon sufferers

A group for people with epilepsy and their families set up by the Rotary Club Swindon Thamesdown is meeting a considerable need in
Swindon according to some of the people who have joined.
Geoff Beale from Stratton had advanced procedures life back. Her con- Paul said the Rotary Club project
been desperate to share experi- being carried out at sultant Dr Sierad- had obviously tapped into a need
ences of epilepsy since 2006 when the time. The inter- zan and her team. for help. “We have attracted par-
his daughter Stephanie nearly died cranial surgery to try at Bristol Frenchay ents with under fours who have
in a crowded swimming pool on and reduce the effects Hospital have done seizures, through to retired people.
holiday when she had a seizure of seizures should an amazing job with In a short time we’ve gathered a lot
whilst underwater. “If there is no take place towards her and provide su- of information and members find
history of epilepsy in the family, it is the end of January. perb care.” great relief talking to others without
a complete shock if somebody close Her father Tom Steve Weisinger feeling pressured or embarrassed.
has a fit, you can feel absolutely said things had been from Highworth has Parents with young children are
helpless if you don’t know what really tough for Leo- become a member getting a lot of help because they’re
the right thing to do is.” na. “As her condition has worsened of the epilepsy support group and not receiving enough of it from the
The group was launched after she’s become quite isolated. Al- brings a great deal of experience. health services.
Rotary Club vice-president Paul though she’s received fantastic sup- He said, “my condition became “One in 131 people in Britain
Parfrey from Haydon Wick inspired port from a few friends who have increasingly severe until I under- suffer from some form of epilepsy,
fellow members to launch a project stuck with her through difficult went temporal lobe surgery. Apart so we believe there are many in
to support epilepsy sufferers in times, we’ve all been shocked by from a slight memory loss and a Swindon who would benefit from
response to the needs of his wife’s the negative response and cruelty little reduction in vision, my life has knowing there is a support group.”
niece, Leona McKee, who suffers of some people who do not under- been turned around, I’m totally free It next meets at the Holiday Inn,
from a severe form of the condition. stand what she is going through of fits and am able to drive again. Coate Water on 17 February, 8pm,
In October Leona, 22, above, and the effects that epilepsy has on “No two sufferers will have the and monthly throughout the year.
underwent surgery to have probes sufferers in general. same epilepsy. It strikes in different For details contact Paul Parfrey
placed onto the surface of her brain “We have high hopes that the ways and can vary in the level and on 07929 725 708 or mail: rcst.epi-
but complications prevented more major surgery will give Leona her type of fit a person will suffer.” [email protected]

New group to provide support for people struggling with weight
Vicky Gleed from Oakhurst has started ‘Lifestyle Changes’ for people who find that weight loss diets and classes don’t have any effect.
Vicky, 28, said she has struggled with her weight ever since she left school and can suffer from depression, low levels of self-esteem and body attitude.
twelve years ago. “I tried every diet and group going with little effect until “They may have great difficulty in buying clothes and fitting into seats
I started courses in weight management, life coaching and a diploma in on planes, and incur extra costs from having to buy tailor-made clothes.”
NLP. I’m now finally getting somewhere. Vicky hopes to start group meetings in the Spring and is looking
“Many overweight and obese people have reduced psychological health for volunteers to assist her with organising. She is also offering email
support for people who are unable to attend meetings. For details mail:
[email protected]
New to our beauty spa: Dermalogica skin care products.
call now for appointments.
MS Therapy Centre one year on
On 25 January, after The Link went to press, volunteers and staff at
the MS Therapy Centre on Westmead Drive, Westlea welcomed the
company of the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire John Bush and other local
dignitaries to mark the first anniversary since moving to West Swindon.
Can Chiropractic
Help Me?

We are often asked ‘What’s the best way of Special offer £20
finding out whether a Doctor of Chiropractic
can help my problem?’ ORigiNaL pRiCE £100 OR MORE!
We believe the answer can be found in a
complete consultation and examination, Offer ends 28th February 2011
including X-rays, if appropriate. www.ridgewaymedispa.com
And to help find out for sure we will do a
complete consultation and examination,
including X-rays if necessary. Procedures that Do you suffer from:
could normally cost £100 or more for £20.
• HEADACHES • NECK PAIN
Your initial visit will include: • LOWER BACK PAIN
• NUMBNESS IN ARMS & HANDS The MS fundraising committee, from left, Rosemary Hall, Penny Thomas,
3 A private consultation with the Doctor • PAIN BETWEEN SHOULDER centre manager Jackie Wray, Audrey Baines and Sandra Herbert
3 X-rays if necessary BLADES • WHIPLASH
3 A thorough spinal examination including • NUMBNESS OR PAIN IN LEGS Centre manager Jackie Wray said, “it’s been a very busy twelve months
orthopaedic and neurological tests which has included recruiting and training new volunteers and opening
3 A confidential report of our findings If you are experiencing any of our doors to double the number of people each month.
3 An explanation of our treatment these symptoms call our clinic “We now have on average 80 people using the centre each week for
procedure if we determine Chiropractic ToDAy for an appointment therapy or support and in February we plan to open on Saturday morn-
can help you Dr Simon Clarke D.C. BSc ings for people who can’t get time off work on weekdays, and who get
3 A referral to the appropriate specialist if Doctor of Chiropractic very tired by the evening.
we determine a Doctor of Chiropractic (Member of BCA) Since moving to Bradbury House, running costs have doubled and
cannot help you GCC Registered the fundraising committee now have to attract £100,000 a year just to
keep the building open.
TEL: 01793 814567 To help the MS Therapy Centre expand its services call Jackie Wray
Ridgeway Medi-Spa Chiropractic, Fairwater Stables, 481700 or mail: [email protected]
1 High Street, Wroughton, Wilts SN4 9JX www.msswindon.org.uk

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