A LIFE-CHANGING initiative inspired by English cricketing legend Tony Greig has been rolled out to help people with epilepsy in WA.
The late cricketer-turned-commentator's vision for epilepsy support and services is now one step closer to reality with Epilepsy Action Australia continuing the rollout of its MyEpilepsyKey.
The USB sticks, shaped like a key, provide access to a portal loaded with up-to-the-minute information and resources for self-managing epilepsy, and now 15,000 are available for free at Friendlies Pharmacies across the state.
Epilepsy Action Australia said that the 'keys' would help improve the lives of thousands of people living with epilepsy.
In WA, over 26,000 people are living with epilepsy and 90,000 Western Australians will be diagnosed with epilepsy at some stage in their lives.
Tony Greig's widow Vivian Greig said that MyEpilepsyKey was her husband's living legacy.
"Tony lived with epilepsy from the age of 12 and still managed to develop an extraordinary career. He lived life to the fullest in every way. The reason Tony was able to do that was the careful self-management of his condition," she said.
Tony captained England in the 1970s and is regarded by many as one of the game's greatest all-rounders. He worked with Epilepsy Action Australia for almost 20 years, serving on its board, and raising awareness and funding.
Epilepsy Action Australia chief executive Carol Ireland said the content accessible via MyEpilepsyKey was inspired by Tony's example and by his vision to help as many people as possible, regardless of their location.
"Our goal is for every person living with epilepsy in WA to have a key," said Ms Ireland.
The design of the USB was inspired by his famous pitch reports when every year he would welcome fans to another summer of cricket by jamming his hotel key into the ground for his pitch report.
Through MyEpilepsyKey, people will be able to access resources like an electronic seizure diary and a tool to develop a personal 'seizure management plan', to better manage their epilepsy.
- Pick up a MyEpilepsyKey from local Friendlies Pharmacy. Phone 1300 374 537.