Eric’s Epilepsy Story: “The Neuro Gym’s helped me stand tall again for my Mum”
Eric, from Liverpool, is known for his kindness, energy, and determination to push beyond the limits of his disabilities. Born in 1985, Eric had a healthy birth and early infancy — until just after his first birthday, when everything changed.
His sister remembers:
“He was a really energetic child. Always moving, always smiling. But then the seizures started.”
A difficult start
Eric, 40, was diagnosed with epilepsy after a major seizure at age one. The seizure caused a significant lack of oxygen to the brain, leading to global learning disabilities and eventually, the partial sightedness that developed years later.
His sister Angela explained:
“His medication kept the seizures under control for a long time. But they came back in 2007, and that’s when we noticed real changes. Eventually, his eyesight started to go within a few years, and he was registered blind.”
Despite these serious challenges, Eric remained outgoing and sociable. But he requires one-to-one care and support with all aspects of daily life — eating, washing, walking, and managing tremors that began in 2019.
Angela said:
“We think those might be linked to his epilepsy medication. It’s something we’ve been managing ever since.”
Living with loss
Eric’s world changed again in September 2024 when his mother passed away — a loss that profoundly affected the whole family.
“It hit him hard. Eric and Mum were incredibly close. He couldn’t process the loss in the way others might. But it was clear he was grieving.”
The grief made Eric more anxious, less mobile, and less engaged in his usual routines.
“Everything became harder after that. He can’t be left alone, so it was a huge adjustment for all of us.”
Finding strength at The Brain Charity
Then, in February 2025, Eric joined The Brain Charity’s Neuro Gym, and things began to change.
Eric’s support worker told us:
“Honestly, I’ve seen a massive difference. He’s more confident, more relaxed. The Gym has helped him so much — especially with balance and coordination.”
Eric agreed:
“I love the Gym. The balance board is my favourite. I feel steadier now — and stronger. The Neuro Gym’s helped me stand tall again for my Mum.”
Eric’s mobility had long been affected by years of medication, but the regular workouts have made a visible impact. He’s lost over two stone, and his diabetic levels have dropped from 80 to 60 — a vast improvement that even allowed his GP to reduce his medication.
Neuro Gym Manager Scott said:
“When he first came to us, he couldn’t walk unaided. But through the work we’ve done with Eric, when he went to Spain recently with his family, he was able to walk a lot without needing his wheelchair.”
Angela said:
“That was impossible before. We were shocked — in the best way.”
A goal with heart
Now, Eric has his sights set on a big goal: walking up Moel Famau in North Wales this August — in memory of his mother.
Eric told us:
“I’m doing it for my Mum. She looked after me. Now I want to do something for her.”
A supportive community
At the Neuro Gym, Eric found more than just physical support. He made friends, formed a strong bond with Fran, his Gym trainer.
Fran told us:
“I was his first trainer, and he was my first client after starting. He’s fantastic, and we’ve really clicked since day one.”
Eric calls her ‘lovely’ and said that he is so ‘grateful’ to Fran for helping him get moving more than he thought possible.
Eric is supported day to day by staff from The Vibe Liverpool CIC, a grassroots, not-for-profit organisation that provides social and development opportunities for adults with additional needs.
The Vibe’s mission is simple but powerful: “Keeping busy, keeping safe.” Open seven days a week, it offers a vital lifeline of activities, connection, and care to people like Eric, helping them thrive beyond traditional services.
Eric’s support worker from The Vibe, who affectionately calls him the “BFG – Big Friendly Giant,” has seen firsthand the positive changes in his health and mood since he started coming to The Brain Charity’s Neuro Gym.
“We’ve seen such a difference in him—he’s happier, more mobile, and more confident. For Eric, that ongoing care and encouragement from both The Vibe and The Brain Charity is what keeps him going, step by step, toward his goals.”
Eric told us:
“I like coming to the Gym. The people are nice. I feel good when I come. I feel calm.”
Living with purpose
Despite needing full-time support, Eric is always looking ahead.
His sister said:
“He doesn’t want to be defined by what he can’t do. He wants to keep pushing himself — and we’ll be right behind him.”
From struggling with tremors and mobility to preparing to climb a mountain, Eric’s journey has been full of setbacks, but his resilience continues to shine.
Eric said:
“I just want to keep going. For my Mum. For me.”
Category: Social activities
Published: 1 September 2025
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