Facing surgery is a difficult reality for many people with Epilepsy – a condition which almost one in every hundred people have. Anthony Williams from the School of Mechanical, Aerospace & Civil Engineering has been reaching out and connecting people to make it easier.

Anthony runs the Epilepsy Surgery Friends Facebook group where people who have had surgery and who are waiting for surgery can connect on line or in person. Epilepsy Surgery Friends has become an international presence, with patients being recommended to contact the group by specialists from around the world. Anthony’s activity doesn’t stop there. He also works with colleagues to raise awareness and reduce the stigma attached to Epilepsy including speaking about Epilepsy on the radio.

The Disabled Staff Network was delighted to learn that Anthony was recently nominated for The University of Manchester’s Volunteer of the Year Award by a student from Manchester Metropolitan University, who his group helped to make a documentary about epilepsy.

“Anthony Williams was exceptional in his guidance and advice.”

We are also delighted that he won joint third place among a strong field of exceptional and extraordinary volunteers!

Congratulations Anthony!

You can read more about the University’s Volunteer of the Year Awards, here.

The Disabled Staff Networkis open to all members of staff at the University of Manchester who consider themselves to have an impairment, cognitive difference, or long term health/medical condition. New members are always welcome!