A support group for epilepsy sufferers in Thurrock may have to shut down because of a desperate shortage of funds and volunteer drivers.

The Thurrock self-help group of the British Epilepsy Association has suffered two body blows in recent months and its future is looking bleak. It has lost volunteers who ferry members to and from meetings and has been unable to find replacements.

It has also been refused a grant from Thurrock Council towards the cost of hiring a minibus.

A spokesman for the group said: "We may have to close unless we can find volunteers to drive a minibus - or possibly their own car - to bring people to our meetings on the last Tuesday of the month.

"We also need to find funding somehow to pay for the hire of a bus. Having epilepsy means most of our members can't drive.

"Only eight people made it to our last meeting , seven of whom needed a lift. That meant our secretary had to make several trips in her car. Others had to miss the meeting because they had no transport.

"We cannot continue like this. We have to find reliable drivers and regular funding.''

Anyone who can drive and is willing to help should contact Barbara on 01375 403572. The group is also looking for companies, groups or individuals who would like to sponsor its work.

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