This is a global opportunity to remember all those who have died from epilepsy, across our social media platforms.
It is the most special day in our charity calendar. Now coming up to our sixth event in May 2021, SUDEP Action launched this special day enabling the bereaved community to connect around the world.
This year’s event will be on
Wednesday 5 May 2021
Order of the day
Near the Day, we will confirm all the finer details, but here is an idea of what we have planned:
8am (GMT) onwards | We share our first post of the day on Facebook where you're invited to share photos, poems and memories of someone special you have lost to epilepsy. |
12noon onwards | Poem readings from special guests |
7.00pm | Join us in lighting a candle at home to commemorate those who have died from epilepsy. Our CEO, Jane Hanna OBE, will be lighting a candle on our Facebook page and we would love for you to share with us your own photos if you would like to. |
11.30pm | We close the day with a poem. |
How you can get involved
There are a few ways you can get involved in Online Epilepsy Memorial Day, Wednesday 5 May.
1. Online social media event on our Facebook page
SUDEP Action will be sharing a main post on our social media platforms on the 5 May. If you would like to get involved online, you can join us on our main page on Facebook.
Many bereaved people, from all over the world, will join together to share photos, poems and memories of their loved ones, who have lost their lives to epilepsy.
Follow us on Facebook today and/or join the Facebook event to keep up to date with the Day's activity.
You can also change your Facebook cover to the following image to show your support. Just right click on the image and save:
(Image coming soon)
2. Join us in lighting a candle on the Day at 7pm
We understand that not everyone is on social media and will not be able to take part online.
So, as well as the usual online ways to be involved, we are inviting everyone at home to light their own candle of remembrance at 7pm on 5 May.
Our CEO, Jane Hanna OBE, will be lighting a candle on our Facebook page, and we would love for you to share your own photos with us, under her post, if you would like to.
For those you who don’t use Facebook, but who would like to share either your candle image, or an image of your loved one – please email us your image by Monday 3 May and we will post on your behalf (unfortunately we can’t take hard copies via post). Alternatively, if you have friends or a family member who does use Facebook – they may be able to do this for you.
3. Online dedications
Another way you can get involved in the event, is dedicate a cherry blossom tree on our online dedication wall - Forever remembered, Forever missed. Further information on this coming soon.
If you would like more information or need help creating an online dedication, or tribute, contact our team on [email protected]
4. Share your story
Every story, regardless of when it happened, is precious to us and deserves to be told.
The stories are of loved ones who have died from epilepsy.
Those who have shared the story of their loved ones, find it helpful to know that they are part of a bigger voice and can be a way of supporting others, who have been through a similar experience.
Sharing your story with us can make a real difference.
If you think this is something you can help us with, we would be incredibly grateful to hear from you. For more details, please contact us on [email protected] or 01235 772850.
Order of the day
Further details, information and resources about the event will be released closer to the date. Keep an eye on this webpage and our Facebook page.
If you have been affected by an epilepsy death, and would like to speak to someone, please contact the SUDEP Action support team on 01235 772852 or [email protected]
If you are outside the UK, we can provide email support, or where available, details of a service local to you, in your country.
