AN ANNUAL fundraising day which not only raises money but also awareness has been coined a success. 

On September 15, Purple Day raised a total of £685 for the charity Epilepsy Action.

The charity supports people with epilepsy and their loved ones as well as undertaking important research.

The event hosted a raffle, guess the name of the bear, the auction of a handmade quilt, a pet hamper, refreshments and more. There was also the opportunity to find out more information about the charity Epilepsy Action.

Mayor of Test Valley, Cllr Alan Dowden, said: "Purple Day is an annual event that gives a real boost to the Epilepsy Action charity that helps to support so many people. I was honoured to open the day.”

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Purple Day organiser Vikki Cheshire added: “This charity has been a great help to me and my loved ones as I have had uncontrolled epilepsy for over 26 years. I would like to say a big thank you to the mayor for coming to the event and all the local businesses who kindly donated items for the raffle and helped to raise such an amazing total. It was a very successful Purple Day fundraising event for Epilepsy Action.”

Purple Day is the main fundraising day for the charity Epilepsy Action. Purple Oak Support (formally Andover and District Mencap) gave use of their premises to run the event this year.