RESIDENTS in West Devon are invited to party the night away to raise money and awareness for Dravet Syndrome UK on Saturday, December 20 at Cheriton Bishop Village Hall.

The Christmas party will include a live performance by Exeter band Embezzlers and a charity auction with prizes donated by local organisations, including spa days, weekend retreats, days out, Golf days and restaurant vouchers. 

Dravet Syndrome (myoclonic epilepsy in infancy — SMEI) is a rare neurological disorder which occurs during the child's first year and affects approximately one in 40,000 births.  

Children with Dravet suffer prolonged recurrent seizures, often triggered by illness or sudden temperature changes. 

There is no cure and treatment focuses on controlling or minimising seizures. 

As a child with Dravet Syndrome grows, a wide range of related problems such as learning difficulties, ataxia and behavioural issues are seen. 

The party has been organised by mother of two Sammiee Whittaker, whose child was diagnosed with the gene associated with Dravet Syndrome earlier this year.

Samiee said: 'Paige had her first seizure in December 2013, and it changed our lives — it lasted 20 minutes and she was just seven months old.

'After further seizures and various tests she was diagnosed earlier this year with a mutation of the SCN1A gene that is associated with Dravet. 

'At the moment there is no cure and Paige is admitted to hospital every 4-6 weeks with life threatening seizures.  

'Paige often stops breathing with seizures and requires resuscitation, so she sleeps hooked up to a pulse oximeter to monitor her heart rate and oxygen, which alarms to alert us of a possible seizure.

'This piece of equipment has saved her life. Retailing at up to £2,000 and unavailable on the NHS, as a family supported by this amazing charity, we wanted to give something back.

'Dravet Syndrome UK has provided my family with guidance, support and equipment, and we feel we would like to help other children who may be suffering with this condition and organising a Christmas party seemed the perfect way.

'There is so much still to be understood about this condition, research is ongoing but more can be done.

'This will hopefully be the first of many fundraising events for the charity.'

The party starts at 7pm and it's dress to impress or wear something purple in support of the charity. Tickets are £10 each, children are free.

For more information and to book tickets call Sammiee Whittaker on 07712 153791.

To read more about Paige's story and to donate online visit the website at http://www.jusygiving.com/Sam-whittaker1990">www.jusygiving.com/Sam-whittaker1990