FABLE

For A Better Life with Epilepsy

In January 1995, Sandra Howard saw a TV program, which included news about a revolutionary new surgical procedure for treating severe Epilepsy. It was called Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy. In 1995 only one operation had been performed in the UK, although a number had been performed in the USA. Unfortunately the National Health Service could not fund the treatment at that time, but it was agreed that Gareth would be a suitable candidate. The £5500 needed for the implant would have to be raised but the NHS would meet the other costs incurred.

With the help of family and friends Sandra Howard raised the money for Gareth to undergo the procedure through a number of different fund raising events and donations. Cyberonics Inc in the USA who manufactured the device heard what had been happening and very kindly donated the implant. But with £5500 raised a decision had to be made as to what was going to happen to the money.

Throughout the fundraising a number of families had been in touch that were all in similar situations, it was apparent that there was others who needed help. It was decided to use the money raised for Gareth to set up a charity to go on and help fund implants for other children and adults and also offer support.
And so FA.B.L.E (For A Better Life with Epilepsy) was established in May 1995 just prior to Gareth having his operation in early June of that year.

Fable Today

Help and Assistance
Fable’s friendly and well-informed staff is always available to offer information, advice and support to potential recipients of the VNS, family members or carers.
We can also put you in touch with other support groups, residential care homes, schools etc. We also stock a number of advice leaflets on a variety of subjects relating to epilepsy from a number of different organisations.
For further information please contact us on our free phone number 0800-521-629 FREE

Patient Support Network
We know that epilepsy can be very isolating and so we provide a network of other patients, parents and carers who are willing to speak to people who are in a similar situation to them selves. Should you be interested in becoming part of this network or would like to talk to someone already on the network, please e-mail Sandra Howard. fable@btconnect.com

Epilepsy Centre
Our Head Office incorporates our Epilepsy Information & Advice Centre. It was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Roger Davison on the 25th October 2005.
The centre is open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm but closed on a Wednesday. We welcome visitors wanting to collect information on a wide range of topics relating to Epilepsy, with staff available for an informal chat.
The Centre is supported by a number of different organisations whose literature we stock.
This includes information on:-
Education
Employment Issues
General Epilepsy Information
Residential Care Homes.
Seizure Alert Alarms and
Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy.
We will also send out information on request.
Our one stop information and advice centre is here to help make a difference.
We can also put you in touch with other support groups, residential care homes, schools etc. We also stock a number of advice leaflets on a variety of subjects relating to epilepsy from a number of different organisations.