AWOMAN who recovered from an epileptic fit to find two boys filming her, is using her story to promote awareness of the condition.

Maggie O’Connor, 26, was walking her dog, Dillion, in Colchester town centre last year, when she had a seizure, which caused her to wet herself and bite her tongue and cheek.

Instead of helping her, two boys filmed her on their phones.

Now her story is one of ten being turned into videos by charity Epilepsy Action to mark Purple Day, an awareness day taking place on Thursday.

Maggie, who lives in Priory Street, Colchester, said: “It could have gone one way or another. It could have made me feel scared to go outside, but it went the other way. It made me more willing to share.

“I think the naivety of those lads showed there isn’t enough awareness. If you see someone having a seizure in the street, you should not be afraid, but you should check they are OK.”

She hopes her story will make people understand there is more to epilepsy than just having a seizure.

She said: “I don’t think people understand the fear of it.

“It can happen anywhere and you can hurt yourself in so many ways. And there is the embarrassment – it is a bit of a public display.”

Philip Lee, chief executive at Epilepsy Action, said: “Sharing personal stories and powerful images across a range of media helps us to challenge common misconceptions about epilepsy.

“These experiences highlight the triumphs and frustrations of grappling with a complex condition.”

Since the incident Maggie has also taken part in a number of fundraisers to raise cash for epilepsy.

For information, and to view Maggie’s video, visit www.epilepsy.org.uk/purple on Thursday.