I’m saving the day this March!
Meet the Hero: Purple Torch! 🦸♂️💜
This March, I’m stepping up as Purple Torch, fighting to spread awareness, understanding, and support for the 270,000 Australians living with epilepsy. But this isn’t just a cause—it’s personal.
Why I’m Making March Purple
My incredible daughter, Charlotte (10), has epilepsy. As a baby, she would stare off into space and hold her breath. It took months for us to truly understand what was happening, and when the diagnosis came, it was the start of a long and difficult journey. Her early years were filled with scary hospitalisations, and in the past year alone, we’ve had multiple emergency visits and even trips to intensive care.
Charlotte is now on her 5th or 6th antiepileptic medication, with countless adjustments to doses—yet we still haven’t found what works. There are so many types of seizures, and yet awareness in the community remains low. It’s heartbreaking, especially when your child can’t explain what they’re feeling or usually cannot recognise when a seizure is happening.
Why Your Support Matters
Through it all, the Epilepsy Foundation has been an amazing source of guidance, support, and understanding. The Epilepsy Nurse at the Royal Children’s Hospital has been incredible to deal with, helping us navigate this journey. But families like ours shouldn’t have to fight alone.
By donating, you’ll be helping fund:
💜 Vital support services for families navigating epilepsy.
💜 Education & training to improve awareness and response.
💜 Research & treatment options to give kids like Charlotte a better future.
To raise awareness and keep epilepsy in the spotlight, I’ll be featuring something purple every single day this March. Whether it’s my clothes, my hair, my moustache, or a bold purple accessory, I’ll be wearing my Purple Torch pride loud and clear!
This March, I need my Sidekicks to stand with me. Let’s raise awareness. Let’s fund support services. Let’s Make March Purple.
💜 Please donate today and be part of the change. 💜
My Achievements
Updated Profile Pic
Made a Self Donation
($27 or more)
Reached Fundraising Target
Reached $1,000 in Donations
Reached $2,000 in Donations
My Updates
We might have been quiet on the blog
Wednesday 12th Mar Hi Everyone,
Make March Purple - Day 4
Tuesday 4th Mar
1st Day of Make March Purple
Monday 3rd Mar
Thank you to my Sponsors
$263.75
Joshua Hawkins-page
$211
Nanny J And Poppy S
$160
Baked By Us - Geelong
Baked By Us provided catering for an education session to a local primary school to the value of $160. We have forwarded these funds in their name. A social enterprise supporting a great cause!
$105.50
Y Robertson
Purple eyebrows?
$105.50
Craig Finley
Great job raising awareness!
$105.50
Kevin Robertson
Stephen, you’re doing an amazing job with Charlotte, she is lucky to have you as her dad. This is such a great cause you’re championing, it’s a pleasure to be able to help out in such a small way.
$105.50
Damian Robertson
$105.50
Josh & Lynne Verschuren
$105.50
Bob & Robyn Bryden
$105.50
Paul Gladigau
$105.50
Christa Purdie
To the bravest little girl out there 💜
$105.50
Harry, Archie, Poppy And Paddy Swindells
Hi Charlotte, it's your cousins. We are donating some money to help find some cures for all the kids out there who have brain hiccups. We really hope that your hiccups can be cured. We love you so much and feel so lucky to have you as our cousin. H, A, P and P xx
$105.50
Darren Rentsch
You guys will smash this!
$79.13
Anonymous
Really appreciate the videos, I have learnt so much. GWFB will always have yours, Charllote & your family back. Your a great leader at the GWFB & a great dad
$75
Hayley Rowe
$59.08
Kool Kidz Childcare
$52.75
Bernard Robertson
$52.75
Mary Robertson
Go you!
$52.75
Ken Mckedgan
$52.75
Sandra And Peter
Sandra and Peter lived opposite Charlotte's Pa. Peter was so awesome with Charlotte. Peter passed away recently. Sandra has made a donation in both hers and Peter's name
$52.75
Annie Malesic
Dear Stephen, You are the best Purple Hero for your gorgeous Charlotte and family. Thanks for raising all of our awareness of Epilepsy. A big hello and high five to Charlotte. Annie (Former teacher at HVS) xx
$52.75
Tony Robertson
So proud of one of the younger members of the Robertson clan. Stephen is my second cousin and is providing a great example of the best practice in the use of social media. Stephen and Charlotte his daughter are a source of inspiration, courage and determination. I invite readers to take on this fundraiser.
$52.75
Nada Klinger
$52.75
Gabrielle Moloney
$52.75
Glen Miners
$52.75
Eddie Hoyer
$52.75
Alex Batty
Great work mate.
$52.75
Patricia (trish) Jones
Can't wait to follow the Purple Torch on LinkedIn Stephen! What an incredible way to support your daughter Charlotte and raise awareness for those living with epilepsy. You are a true Purple Superhero!
$52.75
Ellie Pronk
Great work, great cause , good luck
$52.75
Anonymous
$52.75
Gail And Dan
You are an outstanding example of fatherhood young Robbo, wishing your family our warmest wishes.
$52.75
Robert Clark
Good on you Charlotte
$50
Catherine Eltringham
Purple is a great colour! Amazing fundraising effort.
$50
Dave And Laureena Purdie
$50
Peschel Family
$35.87
Adam M
$32.71
Kat Allwood
A dollar for each day
$31.65
Mal
Great campaign mate. Lots of love to Charlotte and the family
$30
Sarah De Bono
$29.16
Anonymous
$28.49
Jenny Mcmillan
$28.49
Anonymous
$28.49
Tracey Davies
$28.49
Anne-marie Filsell
Inspirational
$28.49
Tiffany Woods
$26.38
Scott M
Keep up the great work 💜
$21.10
Anonymous
$21.10
Amber Hewat
You’re a trooper Charlotte! Hugs from Ollie R in grade 3
$21.10
Amanda Pearson
I can't imagine what you, your family and Miss C have gone though, and are still going through. You are an amazing father. Congratulations on raising up and beyond your initial $500 target.
$21.10
Vicki Hull
Keep Up the great work
$21.10
Haylea Cooney
💜💜
$21.10
Michelle Jose
$21.10
Marianne Meyer
$21.10
Chris Williamson
I just want you to know Stephen..you are doing an amazing job as Charlotte's father
$21.10
Marg Ryen
$20
Emma Redpath
You're a champion Charlotte ❤️
$15.82
Evenia T
$10.55
Great work Stephen! Love this stuff. Let’s make March purple!!!