AN APPLEBY based artist is raising money for Purple Day - a day dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy worldwide.
Known for her business Lauren's Cows, 33-year-old artist Lauren Terry was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was 10 years old and it’s a condition that still affects her today.
She said: "Epilepsy is a widely misunderstood condition that has many stigma attached to it. Purple Day is so important, not only as a way to raise funds for families requiring support, but to help people understand epilepsy and not be afraid of it."
While working as an actor in London, Lauren took up painting in her free time but it was a single painting of a cow that kick started her change of career.
Encouraged by a local gallery owner, Lauren agreed to paint a collection of twenty cows for an exhibition and so Lauren’s Cows was born.
Now with a range of luxury homeware, cards and prints, Lauren’s characterful cattle have become a household name.
Lauren said: "Stress is one of the foremost triggers for epileptics. I find the act of painting very cathartic, so to be able to make a living from it has improved my quality of life no end!
"Although running a business has its challenges, nothing is more relaxing for me than hanging out in a field with my camera and a herd of cows. They just make me smile."
Purple Day is a global event held on the March 26 every year where people are encouraged to wear purple in support of Epilepsy Awareness.
The fundraising event will run from 11am to 4pm on Sunday March 26 at Lauren’s Cows headquarters, The Cows Shed, Kings Barn, Crackenthorpe.
Visitors will be able to shop the Lauren’s Cows collection with 20% of all sales going to Epilepsy Action.
Join Lauren and Jude for cake, coffee and a raffle full of fantastic prizes from local businesses, it’s a great day out for all the family.
Prizes to date:
- Meal for two donated by The Heifer, Scorton
- Voucher for a Christmas Tree donated by Croft Christmas Trees
- Limited Edition Photographic Print donated by Andrew Haggar Photography
- Voucher donated by Low Howgill Butchers, Appleby
- Spice Tin donated by Spice Kitchen
- Framed print of Ronnie donated by Lauren’s Cow
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