Read Amy's story - The Meath Epilepsy Charity

Finding a Home at Bradbury House

Amy has lived at The Meath since 2016, when her home, Bradbury House, first opened its doors to residents. Recalling her early days at The Meath she commented

“when I first moved to The Meath, I remember there was an outside concert for residents to perform. I was new and a bit nervous, but I dressed up as Audrey Hepburn and sang Moon River. I loved it, the crowd applauded, and I knew I was home!”

Now a well-established and a popular member of The Meath community, Amy is an enthusiastic participant in a broad range of activities. Amy has a striking energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm for life. She has a real need to be creative and to perform to feel fulfilled. Her ability to explore a wide range of interests and pursuits is made all the more impressive when one begins to appreciate how much Amy has to contend with in daily life.

Amy, Isobel and Ella at the Meath for BBH party.

Managing Epilepsy

For many people, talking about epilepsy, seizures, and the challenges that these create feels highly personal and potentially upsetting. However, Amy is driven by a need to share her story. She doesn’t want sympathy; she doesn’t need it. But she does want people to understand what her life is like. Calmly and candidly, Amy explained how her life journey with epilepsy began.

“I had a stroke at 10 months old. Without the stroke I wouldn’t have epilepsy and I wouldn’t have a weaker side.”

Amy lives with a weaker left side because of the stroke she suffered as a baby, and experiences daily absence seizures. Typically Amy experiences between 10-14 seizures every day. This is despite taking 62 pills per day over four medication rounds. In addition to epilepsy, she has a mild learning difficulty and a rare metabolic disorder. Her body cannot process more than 37g of protein every day. She is acutely aware of the severity of her dietary requirements and works hard with support to keep on top of it.

“The pills keep me how I am, without them I couldn’t live the life I want. If I go over my protein allowance by 10 grams, I would be very ill and I could have to go to hospital, it’s serious stuff. I accept it all but it’s always there and it takes real effort to keep on top of it all”.

Just observing the level of hard work that goes into supporting Amy to be well, safe, and as independent as possible is exhausting. Her medical needs are unimaginably complex and extraordinary. However, with the right support, she is able to put her life centre stage and keeps her medical conditions in the wings.

Living with the Unpredictable Nature of Epilepsy

The unpredictable nature of Amy’s frequent seizures means that many daily tasks are littered with serious hazards. Since living at The Meath, Amy has enjoyed developing and gaining confidence with her independent living skills.

“I love cooking, but I could pounce into a seizure at any time. Therefore I do need support to feel safe around knives and heat. However, I have really improved my confidence in the kitchen and my ability to prepare my own meals means that I feel more in control of my low protein diet.”

A family of four smile to the camera during a walk in the woods. Among them is Amy who lives with epilepsy and her dad Brindley Sharrett, Opera singer. Amy has dark hair and glasses, just like her mother who is pictured next to her. Brindley wears glasses and his son Matt holds a big stick.

Amy and family in park

Dressing Up & Going On Stage!

Creativity and, in particular, performance are a huge part of Amy’s life. The ability to take part in creative and expressive arts through The Meath’s Skills Centre is key to her sense of self and wellbeing. She explains why this is:

“Singing has always been a big part of my life because my dad is an opera singer. I love dressing up and going on stage! I sing with The Meath Choir. I also like going to shows, whether it’s theatre, musicals or opera.”

While Amy has a dedicated staff team to support her, peer support is also important to her. Amy has close friends and housemates who she’s known since childhood from her previous care setting.

“I share a flat with my friends Isobel and Ella. I know them from Young Epilepsy, so we go way back and are really close.”

A young woman in teal tulle skirt and white top smiles as she holds a certificate. She has dark hair and glasses and is stood in front of a gold shimmer curtain.

Amy receiving her certificate at Meath’s Got Talent

The Meath provides a nurturing close-knit community, but Amy also enjoys being supported to be an active member of the wider community. Life at The Meath seems to offer Amy a good balance. Time at home with her supportive family is precious to her, but so too is her busy daily schedule of activities. Outside of Skills Centre activities, Amy enjoys being the life and soul of many social events and parties but also enjoys quieter, self reflective hobbies.

“I love wildlife, The Meath grounds are good for spotting deer, pheasants and squirrels. I took a good photo of a deer and lots of my artwork is inspired by nature.”

Find out more about The Skills Centre