About SUDEP Action

Meet the team

  • Chief Executive Officer

    Formerly Deputy CEO, Sammy has worked across the charity’s various departments and platforms over a number of years. She was project lead on the initial development of the award-winning SUDEP & Seizure Safety Checklist and EpSMon projects as well leading on a vast array of pivotal and important research projects working closely with partner organisations and clinicians. Her vast knowledge and personal approach is taking the charity forward.

  • Deputy CEO & Bereavement Services Manager

    Tracy is Deputy CEO of SUDEP Action and a registered member of BACP who heads up our Bereavement Support Service. Tracy also contributes greatly to the charity’s wider objectives of improving understanding of SUDEP and other epilepsy deaths, including the Epilepsy Deaths Register. A longstanding member of the team, Tracy has helped shape so much of what SUDEP Action does.

  • Finance & Operations Manager

    Sarah is responsible for the smooth and efficient running of the charity’s financial administration and operations, providing high level support to the CEO and trustees. Her efficiency, ideas and dedication bring many facets of the charity’s work together.

  • Communications Manager

    Rob has worked in journalism / the charity sector for many years and oversees internal and external communications. Contact Rob if you’re looking for further information about SUDEP Action’s work or would like to discuss media interviews / opportunities and stories.

  • Fundraising Manager

    Katie heads up fundraising and is the go-to person if you’d like to discuss anything relating to an event or a donation. Whether you need help getting an idea off the ground, wish to discuss a legacy or gift or have specific questions about a fundraiser you are organising, Katie can support you.

  • Director of Policy & Influencing

    Jane is a co-founder of the charity and a former CEO with considerable expertise as a global advocate and expert in SUDEP. Her contributions to the advancement of the understanding of epilepsy risks are world renowned. Awarded the OBE in 2010 and a Social Accomplishment Award in 2013. In her new role for SUDEP Action, Jane’s focus is chiefly on policy making and bringing about further change.

  • Senior Bereavement Services Officer

    Vicky works within our support team to provide specialised bereavement support calls to people facing the devastation and shock of an epilepsy-related death. Vicky also oversees connections with supporters and volunteers, providing invaluable know-how in the community and across the wider SUDEP Action teams.

  • Bereavement Case Worker

    Julia helps to provide an advocacy service for families who are seeking help in the aftermath of an epilepsy-related death. She supports the development of charity relationships in the investigation of a death and guides families through legal processes that can be both complex and challenging. Julia also liaises with coroners and clinicians on the behalf of families.

  • Research Manager

    Ben is responsible for an important portfolio of projects that includes leading on the Epilepsy Deaths Register and liaising with support groups, key stakeholders and clinical and research champions. Ben works closely with the Digital Projects Manager and the CEO to provide ground-breaking reports that are helping SUDEP Action stay at the forefront of exciting research developments.

  • Senior Communications Officer

    Jo is an experienced member of the comms team who manages and creates content for the SUDEP Action website. With strong all-round marketing and communication skills, particularly in digital, Jo is helping us share our stories in new ways to a wider audience.

  • Digital Communications Officer

    Hannah looks after the charity’s social media platforms day-to-day, ensuring we share key messages and timely details about our work, as well as engaging on the charity’s behalf with supporters online. She’s quickly become a valued member of the team.

  • Fundraising Officer

    Lauren is a key member of the fundraising team, aiding community fundraising and helping to raise important funds with our incredible supporters. If you would like to plan a fundraising event then Lauren would love to hear from you.

  • Bereavement Services Officer

    Pierce is part of the Support team at SUDEP Action as our Bereavement Services Officer. He says “I’ve learned the profound impact of simply being a listening ear and a source of guidance. I believe in the power of empathy and support. I’m here to make a difference one conversation at a time.”

  • Policy Officer

    Elly joined the SUDEP Action team this year as our Policy Officer. She says “Preventable epilepsy deaths are a matter of justice, and I’m honoured to be a part of this important work. I’m excited to support an amazing team and a group of campaigners that have already made significant strides in improving the policy landscape.”

For one-to-one support after an epilepsy death contact our support team today

We provide the only support line for people bereaved by an epilepsy death and offer access to qualified counselling. Our dedicated support team has a special interest in, and understanding of, sudden and traumatic death.

Call our support team

If you are in the UK or Ireland we can talk with you by email or telephone. Our support team will do its best to give you what you need.

If you are outside the UK we will try and put you in touch with services available in your country.

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Sharing your experience with others going through the same thing is a really helpful tool for dealing with grief.