Frederick Howe, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department of Health) former Chair of All Party Parliamentary Group on Epilepsy;
“As someone who for many years has known and admired Jane’s work with Epilepsy Bereaved, I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of the honour which she has received. It is doubtful whether anyone in this country has done more to generate awareness of SUDEP amongst the public and policymakers alike, not only here but also overseas. That the tragedy and the risks of sudden death in epilepsy are now so much better understood then they were even a handful of years ago is very much Jane Hanna’s achievement.”
Baroness Gould of Potternewton, Former Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Epilepsy, and past President of the British Epilepsy Association;
“In 1998 Jane was responsible for the research and preparation of an Audit Report entitled ‘Death in the Shadows’ published in 2002. As a consequence, all four Chief Medical Officers of the UK agreed the need for action. A Government Action Plan was produced and NICE Guidelines issues. A debate led by myself took place in the House of Lords”.
“The charity, which Jane has totally committed herself to now has an active contact line offering a listening service and access to specialist information on SUDEP. The support given to the families cannot be underestimated. Without the energy and drive of someone like Jane none of these actions would have taken place”.
Ed Vaisey, Minister for Culture, Member of Parliament for Wantage & Didcot;
“I am absolutely delighted that this OBE has been awarded to Jane. It gives much deserved recognition to her and the team at Epilepsy Bereaved in Wantage. I know from working with the charity that they have not only had an impact on national and international research and clinical practice, but that core to their work has been support to ordinary people whose lives have been devastated by SUDEP including many families in Oxfordshire”
Jeremy Horder, Law Commissioner, Professor of Criminal Law, King’s College London;
“I know from Jane’s campaign in the years before the charity founded that the law was of little use to securing justice for people bereaved through epilepsy, many of whom were failed by the health service and by the system for the investigation of a death. Families had no place to turn. The OBE is a wonderful recognition of what has been achieved since by Epilepsy Bereaved. They are there now to help families with practical information and advice about dealing with inquests, medical information on sudden unexpected death in epilepsy along with much needed emotional support. Epilepsy Bereaved brought SUDEP out of the shadows. Today it is recognised that there are 3 seizure-related deaths a day in the UK and that 40% of deaths are potentially avoidable. There is a national guideline for the investigation of epilepsy-related deaths; a national guideline for the diagnosis and management and of the epilepsies and a Directive for the commissioning of epilepsy services”.
“These were just some of the many initiatives that at the very least were strongly influenced by the ground-breaking work of this charity. Justice for families is not secured, but there is more hope now than ever before”
Cllr Beth Fleming Chairman of the of White Horse District Council;
“Jane’s award is a testament to her years of hard work and devotion to Epilepsy Bereaved bourne out of personal tragedy. I can speak on behalf the Councillors and Officers of the Vale of White Horse District Council when I say that we are thrilled that she is honoured in this very prestigious way and hope that this will help to promote awareness of this extremely worthwhile cause”.
Jocelyn Davies Assembly Member, Deputy Minister – Housing and Regeneration, National Assembly for Wales, former chair of the Cross Party Group on Epilepsy;
“I have known Jane since 1997 when I met her after applying to Oxford to study law. During my second year I was elected to the Welsh Assembly. We met to discuss the National Sentinal Audit Report and that led to the setting up of the Cross Party Group on Epilepsy.
“Jane’s passion and drive has been an inspiration to me. I am very proud of her and congratulate her on having her tireless work for the epilepsy cause recognised”.
