AFTER years of frustration a Lancaster mum will see her pioneering new epilepsy support group launched in the city later this month. Maxine Atkinson, whose nine-year-old daughter suffers from the traumatic condition, met with a wave of sympathy after she slammed the lack of support for people with the disease. Now, after the Citizen intervened, Maxine's cries for help were heard by the British Epilepsy Association and many local people who have joined forces to set up the forum.

Maxine, who lives on Patterdale Road, on the Ridge estate, told the Citizen it was a huge relief to find there were others experiencing the same problems as herself.

Her daughter, Victoria suffers from fits throughout the day and night as well as a speech impediment.

During the next few weeks she will receive treatment at the David Lewis centre in Manchester, an organisation which specialises in epilepsy.

Maxine told the Citizen: "Victoria just asks me why she's speaking funny and why she can't talk like she used to. It's very upsetting.

I'm looking forward to the meeting and knowing that I'm not on my own. I really feel, especially with the help of the Citizen that people are eventually taking me seriously. It can be done."

Sue Blake, regional services manager of the British Epilepsy Association, said there are already 122 members of the association in Lancaster and Morecambe but this number probably represented only a fraction of sufferers in the area.

She said: "We have a network of voluntary branches across the country and we provide them with educational literature and grants. We encourage people to come and give talks about epilepsy and then members have an opportunity to enjoy a coffee, have a chat and talk about their problems."

The first meeting takes place on February 25 at the Trinity Community Centre, Middle Street, Lancaster from 7pm.

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