A young woman from Essex who was filmed by two men while she had an epileptic fit has vowed to raise awareness of the condition and funds for a cause aimed at helping young sufferers.

Maggie O’Connor, of Colchester, says she has had an amazing response since she went public with her ordeal, which happened while she was walking her dog in St Botolph’s Priory earlier this month.

The 26-year-old has received support from across the country and is now preparing to take on a series of obstacle runs, known as Spartan Races, to boost the Young Epilepsy charity.

She said: “After a seizure you are not really with it. I couldn’t comprehend how bad it was. It wasn’t until after they left and I called my sister to say I had a bad fit.

“She was really cross at what had happened.

“I’m not fussed about finding the lads anymore because I don’t think they did it maliciously.

“Now my story’s out there, I don’t think anyone else would do the same thing.

“I feel really happy with the response and the awareness that is out there. I have had so much help and I have decided now to do six races.”

The first Spartan Race Miss O’Connor will take part in is in south London on August 30 and the final run will be on October 11.

She has taken part in races in the past and is ready for her latest challenge.

While raising money for Young Epilepsy will be the main aim for her, she also hopes people will research what to do if someone suffers a seizure.

She added: “A long time ago the advice was to put something in your mouth but that is so dangerous.

“If people want to comfort you, great, if they want to leave you, then that is fine.

“People are normally really amazing, everyone is really good with it and are really helpful.”

Those who have epilepsy tend to have seizures which originate from a change in electrical activity in the brain

Some advice released by Young Epilepsy if people see someone suffering from a seizure is to not restrain the person’s movements, loosen tight clothing around their neck, let the seizure run its course and when the jerking has stopped, roll the person on to their side.

If you would like to donate, please visit www.justgiving.com/Maggie4YoungEpilepsy or alternatively, text MOYE88 £5 to 70070