Purple Day to illuminate the night while shining a light on those living with epilepsy

Townsville landmarks will turn purple on March 26 in honour of those living with epilepsy as part of the global event Purple Day.

• Go purple for Epilepsy Queensland’s Purple Day
• Townsville mum raises awareness about epilepsy

TOWNSVILLE landmarks will turn purple on Friday in honour of those living with epilepsy as part of the global event Purple Day.

Kelso mum Desiree Payne knows the impact of epilepsy after her mother tragically died from the neurological condition when she was 11.

Ms Payne’s two-and-half-year-old daughter Amelia was diagnosed with the condition when she was six months old.

She said learning her daughter’s behaviour was key to living with the unpredictable disorder.

“She just gets so beside herself and she gets so angry and you question yourself is this the aftermath or before a seizure, or is this just being her,” she said.

Amelia McIntosh, who lives with epilepsy, and her mum Desiree are supporting Purple Day for Epilepsy. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“I have struggled with my mum’s passing in the past year because having that background of having someone so close to you pass away is full on.”

Ms Payne is fundraising for Purple Day this year.

“I sat down and thought what am I going to do; I have to give back and do something for those that have been diagnosed because some people just shrug it off,” she said.

“I am feeling proud I am giving back to something that means the world to me and there shouldn’t be a stigma around it.”

Epilepsy Queensland will illuminate iconic Townsville landmarks purple in the week leading up to March 26 including the Townsville sign, Victoria Bridge, Wharton Reef Lighthouse, George Roberts Bridge, Old Magistrates Court House and Little Fletcher Bridge.

Originally published as Purple Day to illuminate the night while shining a light on those living with epilepsy