QUEEN'S Park FC have helped mark a major milestone for Epilepsy Scotland.

The team are celebrating the 20th anniversary since the charity's freephone helpline service was launched.

It was the first of its kind specifically set up to help people living with epilepsy in Scotland.

Queen’s Park assistant manager Owen Coyle Jr and Queen’s Park Supporters Club member John Richmond visited Epilepsy Scotland’s office to help mark the helpline’s 20th anniversary.

It comes as the club have a long-standing relationship with the Scottish epilepsy charity after Queen’s Park Supporters Club member Martin Kelly sadly passed away due to Sudden Unexplained Death In Epilepsy (SUDEP) 10 years ago.

From that day forward Queen’s Park and their Supporters Club have raised funds for Epilepsy Scotland in his memory.

The helpline offers a safe and non-judgemental space for anyone who has either been recently diagnosed with epilepsy or has specific questions about the condition.

Over the last 20 years, Epilepsy Scotland’s helpline has evolved by introducing appointments face to face or via Zoom and people can message the charity’s helpline team via social media.

Also, Epilepsy Scotland’s helpline can talk to you via an interpreter in more than 170 languages.

Epilepsy Scotland’s helpline and information officer, Stuart Macgee, said: “Epilepsy Scotland’s freephone helpline provides valuable information, support and guidance to people living with epilepsy.

“I would ask anyone that is looking for additional support to pick up the phone and contact us because we will be able to listen and perhaps point you in the right direction by either offering a service that we have here at Epilepsy Scotland or a service in your local area.

“We would like to thank Queen’s Park and the Supporters Club for helping us mark the 20th anniversary of our freephone helpline and for all their support over the years.

“We will continue to be that friendly stranger offering a friendly welcome in a safe and non-judgmental space for anyone who wants to talk.”

Queen's Park's head of commercial Kieran Koszary said: "Both the supporters of Queen's Park and the people who work at the club are very proud to have such a strong partnership with Epilepsy Scotland and are delighted to help them mark the 20th anniversary of their helpline.

“We recently held a Purple Day event at our home game with Arbroath to mark 10 years since Martin's passing. Martin made a huge impression during his time in an off the field role at the club and in both the Supporters' Association and supporters' football team.

“It is terrific that Epilepsy Scotland are on hand to offer help and assistance with their helpline and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.”

Epilepsy Scotland’s helpline is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4.30pm. Call on 0808 800 2200 or email contact@epilepsyscotland.org.uk