THE mum of a young Bradford girl with epilepsy has spoken out after a charity warned people with the condition are in danger of having no-one to turn to when they need expert support.

Epilepsy Action says half of all calls to its helpline are missed due to increased demand and a lack of funding.

The findings coincide with Purple Day, held today, which is a global awareness day for epilepsy.

The charity runs a weekday helpline, with a small team providing expert advice. Queries can range from medications and benefits, to pregnancy and driving, but the charity says the past year has seen a "marked rise" in calls from desperate to take control of their seizures, as well as concerned families.

It says a lack of resources means that one in two calls goes unanswered, but awareness and fundraising on Purple Day could help to change that.

Kirstin Dufton, from Wyke, called the helpline when her daughter Esme, seven, was first diagnosed with epilepsy in July 2016. “We'd got an appointment for her, but the waiting time was 15 weeks.

"We were so worried about Esme and didn't know who could help. I rang the Epilepsy Action helpline and they were just so reassuring and offered some advice. "They talked to me about Esme and then posted some more information to us."

She said having someone to talk to was "invaluable" and still relies on the charity for advice and information.

"It's a fantastic service and I would definitely recommend it to anyone with epilepsy or their carers who are struggling," she added.

Philip Lee, Epilepsy Action chief executive, added: “Our helpline is a vital resource for people, helping them to live well with epilepsy. It’s worrying that people can’t get through to us when they have nowhere else to turn.

"Your support on Purple Day could lead to someone controlling their epilepsy, to loved ones knowing how to cope, and to more lives free from seizures."

To donate £5 to Epilepsy Action, text PURPLE to 70500. Texts cost £5 plus your standard network rate. The Epilepsy Action Helpline is the only epilepsy helpline providing information accredited by the NHS England Information Standard.

It is available Monday to Friday 8.30-6.00pm on freephone 0808 800 5050 or by emailing helpline@epilepsy.org.uk