Birmingham's Batonbearers

Charity Founder and Social Care Facilitator says that being asked to be a batonbearer is ‘a real honour’ he ‘wasn’t expecting’.

London born, and Birmingham raised, Kasam is a true inspiration and a passionate campaigner.

In the mid-80s, he sustained significant injuries to his head following an unprovoked attack while he was at secondary school - leaving him with a severe form of epilepsy. Kasam suffered his first seizure at the age of 23 and went undiagnosed in hospital for nearly two weeks.

Emboldened by his own experience, and personal challenges, Kasam has been a vital ambassador for raising awareness of epilepsy in his local community and Birmingham City Council. In 2016, Kasam went on to become the founder of The Voice for Epilepsy association – promoting awareness and getting people talking about the challenges epilepsy can bring.

Kasam said, “I am so proud and privileged to carry the baton in this truly magical event, it’s a real honour I wasn’t expecting - this is my chance to represent Birmingham, the council, my charity and our diverse community”

“Having any form of disability is challenging, so I understand the amount of effort that goes into competing in these elite games.”

Watch out for Kasam at the official closing ceremony on 8 August, where he will be showcasing his dance moves!