Lachy ‘Purple Wiggle’ Gillespie has a very personal reason for supporting Purple Day for Epilepsy
"He’s never let epilepsy get in his way.”
Now it’s 13th year, Epilepsy Action Australia is getting set for a huge Purple Day for Epilepsy Awareness on March 26, 2020 which includes setting the sails of Sydney’s Opera House alight in a purple glow.
And who better to come on board as an Ambassador than the purpliest of them all, Purple Wiggle Lachy Gillespie. But it’s not just the lavender hues that entice Lachy to join forces with this incredible charity, there’s a very personal connection that makes him the perfect choice too.
Epilepsy has been a part of Lachy’s family’s life for as long as he can remember, after his younger brother Cameron was diagnosed with the neurological condition at birth.
“Cameron is only two years younger than me, so I don’t remember a time without epilepsy in our lives really,” recalls Lachy. “Looking at him now – such a wonderful husband to his wife Kelly and father to Charlotte – I’m just so proud of the life that he’s forged; he’s never let epilepsy get in his way.
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Kids like five-year-old Ruby are another motivation for Lachy Gillespie to support Purple Day (Image: Grant Turner for Epilepsy Action Australia)
Cameron’s daughter Charlotte, now three years old, also lives with epilepsy, having been diagnosed as a baby with Dravet Syndrome.
“Charlotte absolutely loves music and watching and listening to The Wiggles is one of the only things that is guaranteed to settle her when she’s having a rough time,” explains Lachy. “I sing The Wiggles songs to her whenever I’m home, and she just stares at me and gives me cuddles, it’s the most beautiful thing. She is such a gorgeous little girl.”
In accepting his new role as Ambassador for Epilepsy Action Australia, prior to Purple Day Lachy said, “Purple has become a very special colour for me over the last few years – first with being the Purple Wiggle and then as I came to understand that purple is the colour for epilepsy awareness.
“Having the chance to be the Purple Wiggle on Purple Day, to raise awareness about this condition which has touched my family so closely, and to help spread the word about the lifechanging work that Epilepsy Action Australia does, is a very special opportunity. And how exciting is it going to be to see the Opera House light up purple for epilepsy for the very first time?! ”
WATCH: Lachy ‘Purple Wiggle’ Gillespie gets behind Purple Day as Ambassador for Epilepsy Action Australia. Continues after video …
Purple Day and how you can get behind it
“For Purple Day this year we hope that having Purple Wiggle Lachy as our Ambassador, paired with the stunning sight of the Opera House lit up in purple, will encourage the Australian community to dig deep and donate to the Epilepsy Action Purple Day campaign,” says Carol Ireland, CEO of Epilepsy Action Australia.
“Our goal is to raise $250,000 this year – $1 for each of the 250,000 Australians living with epilepsy.”
Epilepsy Action would like to encourage all Australians to get involved in Purple Day this year to raise funds and awareness, with some ideas including:
- Host your own fundraising event with a purple twist – a morning tea, a BBQ, a bake sale, a run, whatever you can think of! The only limit is your imagination.
- Get your school involved – hold a free dress day, sports day, sausage sizzle, or deliver Epilepsy Awareness presentations for K-2 or 3-6 in class.
- Buy merchandise – show support and start conversations including t-shirts, hats, keyrings, pens and wristbands
- Make a donation online – phone 1300 37 45 37, to help support what Epilepsy Action do
