HAVING suffered the lows associated with epilepsy, one man is hoping to experience the highs – 10,000 feet high to be exact.

Dunmow resident Francis Pickthall will be jumping out of a plane on May 20 to raise much needed funds for the Epilepsy Society.

The 44-year-old, who owns Hatfield Broad Oak based CPL Aromas, told the Broadcast he knows he is one of the lucky ones.

“The Epilepsy Society is a charity that is very close to my heart,” he said. “I have lived with epilepsy for over 30 years having experienced some terrible lows and desperate moments.

“Thankfully, I am very fortunate that my condition is now controlled with specialist medication and I live a near normal life suffering only from occasional nocturnal seizures. Many others are not so lucky and their condition is either not diagnosed or treated with the wrong medication,” he said.

With over half a millions sufferers in the UK, sometime fatally, Mr Pickthall believes the work of the society is so important because it is the only charity that funds research into epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes seizures which originate in the brain. The Society is a leading medical charity that provides cutting edge research into the causes and provides expert care to those who suffer from severe forms of the condition.

“I became aware of the charity through my own experiences with epilepsy, around 20 years ago. Since then I have wanted to do whatever I could to help and since it is the society’s 120th anniversary this year I wanted to do something extra for it.

“I know that the local community can play a vital role and help the society to help people in the future as it has already helped me.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/Francis-Pickthall or for information on the charity visit epilepsysociety.org.uk/