Purple Day fundraising is not just about raising money. It is about changing how young people with epilepsy feel in their everyday lives.
When you take part in Purple Day - whether you fundraise, wear purple, or start a conversation - you help turn fear and isolation into understanding, confidence and belonging.
Why Purple Day matters
Epilepsy can be frightening for children and young people.
Seizures can leave them feeling confused, exhausted and unsure of when the next one might happen. Epilepsy does not just affect health - it can shape school life, friendships, confidence, sleep and mental wellbeing.
Purple Day exists to shine a light on this hidden reality, and to make sure young people know they are not facing it alone.
As one family member says:
"My granddaughter was diagnosed at a few months old with epilepsy as well as having other medical issues. I am wanting to raise as much as possible for such an amazing cause. She is my absolute world."
The difference your Purple Day fundraising makes
Your fundraising helps turn awareness into real, life-changing support.
Because of supporter generosity:
- 468 children, young people and families were directly supported through Youth Support services, including one-to-one and specialist epilepsy support.
- 93 percent of young people say they feel more positive after receiving support.
- Referrals for support have increased by 50 percent since the launch of the digital referral process.
This means more young people are reaching out - and more are being met with understanding and help when they need it.
Creating connection and belonging
Living with epilepsy can be isolating. Purple Day fundraising helps create spaces where young people feel understood.
Thanks to your support:
- 166 young people are now part of the Youth Voice Network - a 69 percent increase year on year.
- 76 young people took part in new Virtual Youth Clubs.
- 5 family meetup events were held across the UK, helping families connect and feel less alone.
As one young person put it:
“Being part of the Youth Voice Network has meant the world to me. When my seizures are giving me a rough day, it reminds me I’m not alone.”
Another young person said:
"Young Epilepsy has helped me by offering counselling sessions for me to be able to process my diagnosis and for me to be able to offload my feelings around my anxiety, around my seizures, and struggling to make friendships."
This sense of belonging is one of the most powerful outcomes of Purple Day fundraising.
Changing understanding in schools and communities
Epilepsy awareness can transform everyday experiences - especially at school.
With support from Purple Day fundraising:
- There have been 15,000+ visits to the Online Guide for Schools
- 700+ professionals have completed epilepsy eLearning
- 90 percent of professionals report increased knowledge and confidence when supporting young people with epilepsy
When adults understand epilepsy better, young people are safer, more included and more confident asking for support.
Turning voices into change
Purple Day fundraising also helps young people influence the systems around them.
- 16,163 people signed the #UnderstandMyEpilepsy petition, calling for better healthcare plans for young people.
That is thousands of voices saying epilepsy should be understood properly - and supported properly.
Supporting progress through health and research
Your support also contributes to progress beyond awareness.
- 45 active research projects are underway across diagnosis, treatment, mental health and education.
- Patient and carer feedback scores stand at 93, well above the benchmark of 58.
- EEG services have seen a 5 percent year on year increase in patient numbers, with 10 percent now using home video telemetry.
This work is strengthened through key partnerships with NHS England, Epilepsy Research Institute UK, and other leading organisations.
Building a movement for epilepsy awareness
Purple Day fundraising helps grow a community that keeps awareness moving forward.
- 23,401 social followers are helping spread epilepsy awareness .
- 17,937 supporters have opted in by email to support advocacy and share key messages.
Every share, conversation and act of fundraising helps challenge stigma and build understanding.
Why every Purple Day action matters
You do not need to do something extraordinary to make a difference.
Purple Day is built on achievable actions:
- Wearing purple
- Taking on a fundraising challenge
- Talking openly about epilepsy
Together, these actions add up to something powerful - a world where young people with epilepsy feel understood, supported and not alone.
