A Kerryman living with epilepsy who had a seizure while alone in Italy is urging people to learn more about the condition so they can help their friends if needed.
Around 45,000 people live with epilepsy in Ireland with over 130 deaths annually.
Jack O’Connor, aged 25, from Castleisland, was diagnosed shortly before he started studying at University College Cork.
“I didn’t want to believe it,” he said.
“I didn’t want to hear it because that would make it real.
“I struggled to come to terms with it, that this would stick with me and wasn’t just a one-off seizure.”
While his family have been a huge support, he also relies on people around him.
“Once my friends were educated, and knew what the signs are and what happens, there’s not a lot to learn in terms of seizure first aid,” he said. “They’ve…