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A Hawkesbury family has organised a community Walk for Epilepsy in memory of Arthur, their much-loved four-year-old boy who lived with severe epilepsy before his passing from SUDEP. The walk, held last Saturday in Richmond, brought together family, friends, and supporters dressed in purple to raise awareness of epilepsy and SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy).
Local mother Beth Leach organised and led a group of supporters through the heart of Richmond as part of the annual Walk for Epilepsy — a deeply personal milestone for the Leach family, held in honour of Arthur's life.
"He was an incredibly loved little boy who brought so much joy to everyone around him," Beth said. "Taking part in the walk is a way for our family to honour his life while also helping raise awareness of the challenges many families face every day."
The Reality of Epilepsy and SUDEP
For many, epilepsy is a misunderstood condition, but for Beth, it was a daily reality defined by frequent hospital stays and constant medical care. SUDEP is a sudden and unexplained death in someone with epilepsy, often occurring after a seizure. Arthur tragically passed away from SUDEP - an outcome that can be unknown to many families until it strikes.
"SUDEP is one of the leading causes of death in people living with epilepsy, yet awareness remains low," Beth said. "We are going purple to honour Arthur and to help raise awareness and fund research so that other families may be spared this heartbreak."
Purple Day: 26 March
The walk serves as a lead-up to Purple Day on 26 March, the global initiative dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy. The momentum continues this week, with Beth's workplace dressing in purple this Thursday to raise further funds for Epilepsy Australia.
"Epilepsy affects thousands of Australians, yet it is still widely misunderstood," Beth said. "Events like this help bring the community together to support those living with epilepsy and remember those we have lost."
How You Can Help
The Hawkesbury community is encouraged to support Beth's fundraising efforts, titled Arthur's Light Shines Purple, with all proceeds going to Epilepsy Australia to fund research and support services for families facing similar diagnoses.
To donate, visit Beth's fundraiser page: Purple Up 4 Epilepsy Action – Beth Leach
