A Northumbrian woman who overcame epilepsy has been appointed as a trustee for a charity that trains dogs to detect seizures.

Katie Stevens, 51 from Slaley, has joined the board of Support Dogs which trains dogs to warn their owners if they are about to have a seizure in order to give them time to find somewhere safe.  

Ms Stevens' first seizure happened when she was 23 years old at Birmingham New Street train station.

She collapsed onto the concrete floor and severely injured her head.

Hexham Courant: Ms Stevens' epilepsy medication meant she couldn't have childrenMs Stevens' epilepsy medication meant she couldn't have children (Image: Support Dogs)

Medication prevented her from having children and she could no longer drive, forcing her to relocate to London for better public transport.

Her health issues forced her to retire early from her job in chartered accountancy.

Ms Stevens said: "I used to get up every morning pleased that I was still here.

She had brain surgery six years ago and hasn’t had a seizure since.

"It makes you reassess - that’s why I give my time back, because people who suffer from disabilities and illness shouldn’t have to suffer, and should be able to access the support they need."

As a member of Support Dogs’ board, she will be involved in making decisions about what the charity will do in the future.

The charity – www.supportdogs.org.uk - also trains dogs to assist autistic children and adults with physical disabilities.

Hexham Courant: Ms Stevens' husband offered his supportMs Stevens' husband offered his support (Image: Support Dogs)

She said: "Support Dogs is a fantastic charity and the difference it makes to so many people and its ambition to support even more people is brilliant."

Ms Stevens is also chair of Northumbria Primary Care and associate non-executive director for Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Ms Stevens' Support Dogs role takes the number of UK charities and trusts she is a trustee of to 11.