Sinclair & Rush are proud to have partnered with Epilepsy Sucks UK, a fantastic charity dedicated to supporting those living with epilepsy. This small but impactful organisation provides vital services such as anti-suffocation pillows, which have saved countless lives, as well as emotional support and practical advice to individuals and families facing epilepsy.
One such family is that of Laura and Mark Harris, whose daughter Ella was diagnosed in 2015 with a rare brain condition called Band Heterotopia. As a result, Ella faces several ongoing challenges including epilepsy, autism, selective mutism, learning difficulties, and motor skill impairments. Their world changed overnight following Ella’s first tonic-clonic seizure, but thanks to the unwavering support of Epilepsy Sucks UK, they were never alone.
The charity became a lifeline, not only offering knowledge and reassurance during the most difficult moments but also introducing them to anti-suffocation pillows—a game-changing resource for many epilepsy sufferers. Inspired by their experience, Laura became a dedicated volunteer and ambassador, hosting Q&A sessions on social media, supporting other parents, and raising vital awareness about the condition.
In her latest fundraising initiative, Laura organised the incredible Ella’s Ball, held on 7th October 2023 at the beautiful Cave Hotel in Faversham. After weeks of tireless preparation, the event was a huge success—raising a phenomenal £9,034.50 for Epilepsy Sucks UK.
The event welcomed 86 guests, including friends, family, supporters from Synecore and Ian Williams, and well-known YouTubers such as Brandon Stewart, Holly Bennett, and Erin Bowyer. The evening was packed with great food, heartfelt speeches, a live DJ, a saxophonist, and a raffle and silent auction featuring generous donations and fabulous prizes.
Over 1,000 raffle tickets were sold, with prizes including ACR Woodpecker WP5 Woodburner (RRP £800), £250 Champneys voucher and overnight stays in luxury hotels!
Sinclair & Rush were honoured to support this amazing initiative with a £300 donation, helping to cover event costs so that more funds could go directly to the charity. Ellie from our Sales team met with Laura beforehand to learn more about the cause and was deeply moved by Ella’s story and Laura’s passion.
“It was a pleasure to meet such a dedicated volunteer and mother. We are honoured to support Ella, her family, and Epilepsy Sucks UK.” – Ellie, Sales, Sinclair & Rush
Laura’s gratitude was heartfelt:
“Living with epilepsy can be tricky to say the least. It creeps up on you when you least expect it, turning our lives upside down. I’m so proud of how Ella handles her challenges—she’s a superstar. The support from Epilepsy Sucks UK has been a lifeline, and the anti-suffocation pillows have given us peace of mind. We’re so thankful to Sinclair & Rush for their generous donation and Ellie's support in helping make Ella’s Ball such a success.”
And the fundraising doesn’t stop here! Laura has already confirmed plans for another Ella’s Ball in 2024, and we at Sinclair & Rush look forward to supporting it once again.
You can find more information about Epilepsy Sucks UK on Facebook or Instagram. Also, you can follow Laura and Ella’s powerful journey on their Instagram profile, where they continue to educate and raise awareness every day.
“There are 60,000 children diagnosed with epilepsy in the UK. These children are tough, but not invincible.” – Sallieann Gould, Founder of Epilepsy Sucks UK
Together, with awareness, action, and support—we can make a difference.
