LYNSEY Challen has learned to live with epilepsy – but until now the men in her life have been unable to cope with the illness. Now 33, she has met the man of her dreams. Someone who sees past the illness and appreciates her for the person she is. She i

LYNSEY Challen has learned to live with epilepsy - but until now the men in her life have been unable to cope with the illness.

Now 33, she has met the man of her dreams.

Someone who sees past the illness and appreciates her for the person she is.

She is also using her experiences to help others deal with epilepsy through an innovative interactive website.

Lynsey, of Salts Road, West Walton, was diagnosed with epilepsy in 1978 when she was just four.

She has seizures every night and her epilepsy has always been hard to control.

She said: "I think I have tried all the different drugs there are. I am unable to work due to tiredness.

"I couldn't even manage part-time college so I've been doing charity work instead."

She met self-employed electrician Chris Thrower, of Tydd St Giles, through a dating agency.

Before their first date she told him of her illness by text.

Lynsey said: "I thought it was better to get it out in the open and he was fine about it.

"He has been very supportive and is kind and caring - everything I wanted in a man.

"At first, I wondered how he would react but he has seen me have seizures and has been there for me every time."

The couple got engaged on New Year's Day and this year Lynsey is hoping for a romantic Valentine's Day.

She uses Epilepsy Action's on-line community to help answer other people's problems and questions, including how to tell a partner about having the illness. It is one way she can help others deal with their worries.

The on-line community offers a valuable service to the 456,000 people in the UK with epilepsy.

Membership is free and only people with epilepsy can become members, although carers can join on behalf of people with epilepsy who are unable to use a computer .

CONTACT: www.forum4e.com