Katie Hopkins claims River Island 'seize the day' bags are offensive to epilepsy sufferers

Katie Hopkins has criticised bags handed out to River Island customers bearing the slogan ‘seize the day’ for trying to normalise epilepsy.

The tote bags were released last week in conjunction with the Epilepsy Society and Young Epilepsy as part of a campaign to raise awareness of the condition.

But Hopkins, who revealed she suffered with epilepsy earlier this year, described the bags as “crass” and “odd” in a blog post for the Huffington Post.

She wrote: “They don't sit well with me. And I've tried to find the words for exactly why that is.

“I can imagine some well meaning soul on a Mac designing them in his studio, imagining this is a clever way to make eppys feel strong.

“I can see the gang at the Epilepsy Society thinking this continues their ambition to make epilepsy mainstream.

“But good intentions have translated into a language we don't understand. We don't think like this. We don't see our days this way. Seizures are not part of our narrative of life.”

The outspoken commentator added people with epilepsy would rather focus on times when seizures do not happen and “we are being the best we can be”.

She wrote: “I know the feeling of coming round, surrounded by people - wholly freaked out because you have just done bonkers stuff with your eyes open even though you weren't behind those eyes to see.

“I've shuddered, flapped, slammed my legs against tables until they bled and dislocated joints - without even breaking into consciousness. And then had to reassure people around me its OK. It's nothing. I'm just epileptic. I'm fine.

“Poking fun at ourselves is one way to handle this strange world we inhabit. I used to do it to. Laugh first and no one else can get in before you. Some people are still in this phase. And they will like your bags.”

Her comments were echoed by Twitter users who said the bags were “awful”, while others agreed they were “ugly”.

Sarah Virbert, director of external affairs of the Epilepsy Society, said the slogans were intended to be “bold” and aimed to get people talking about the condition.

She said: “'Seize the day' is intended to be an empowering message for all, inspiring people with or without epilepsy to live life to its fullest despite the barriers they might face.”

A River Island spokesperson said: “River Island has long-standing relationships with Epilepsy Society and Young Epilepsy and this is a cause that is very important to us.

"We are very proud supporters of the great work that they do and will continue to help them with raising funds and awareness.”