Bucks Herald reporter Anna Dowdeswell has won a national journalism award.

She received £500 after scooping the regional newspaper prize at the Epilepsy Journalist of the Year Awards, run annually by the National Society for Epilepsy.

Her winning article focused on the experience of a woman who had surgery to cure her seizures.

It also included the journalist’s own personal experience of epilepsy, having had the condition for more than 14 years.

Judges praised Anna for exploding some of the myths and stigma that surround epilepsy, while drawing attention to some useful facts and information about the neurological condition which affects more than 450,000 people in the UK.

Margaret Thomas, assistant director for communications at NSE, said: “The references to her own epilepsy were particularly commendable, highlighting that epilepsy need not be a barrier to a successful career.”

Anna’s article, which she wrote while working for the Oxford Mail, can be seen here.

Anna said: “As someone who has epilepsy I’m very passionate about making sure it’s presented accurately in the media, so when I heard about the National Society for Epilepsy competition I jumped at the chance to do just that.

“If people haven’t got first-hand experience of epilepsy, they believe whatever they see on television or in newspapers. I hope the article encouraged other people with epilepsy as well.

“This is also the first award in my career and I’m really pleased I can say it is for a cause I am so enthusiastic about.”

Anna was presented with her award at a celebration lunch at the Reform Club, Pall Mall.

The event aims to promote responsible reporting about epilepsy. Other winners were Jane Wheatley who writes for The Times; Melissa Murphy, Now magazine; and Sal McKeown, Special Children.

The judges were professor John Duncan, world-renowned consultant neurologist and medical director of NSE; Barbara Lantin, freelance journalist and a former winner in the national newspaper category; and Margaret Thomas, assistant director for communications at NSE.