Zach Eagling, a 12-year-old boy from Hartshead, near Liversedge, has been honored with the prestigious Points of Light award from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. This award recognizes exceptional individuals who make a positive impact and bring about change in society. Zach’s remarkable achievement comes as a result of his instrumental role in changing the law to protect people with epilepsy from online harm.
Zach, who himself has epilepsy and cerebral palsy affecting his mobility, became the driving force behind the Epilepsy Society’s campaign to safeguard individuals with epilepsy from the malicious activities of internet trolls. This initiative gained significant traction after Zach experienced targeted online harassment. As a consequence, Zach’s Law was introduced to tackle this issue effectively.
Despite facing adversity, Zach remained resolute in his commitment to create change. Inspired by the late Captain Sir Tom Moore, a previous recipient of the Points of Light award, Zach undertook a walking challenge in June 2020 to raise funds for the Epilepsy Society. However, the noble gesture took a dark turn when his fundraising page was bombarded with content containing flashing images intended to cause harm.
Undeterred by this heinous act, Zach completed his challenge and embarked on a mission to raise awareness and garner support for legislation that would protect individuals with photosensitive epilepsy from online trolls. Working alongside his mother, Claire Keer, and the Epilepsy Society, Zach campaigned rigorously for online safety measures, while collaborating with social media platforms to develop methods to prevent strobing images from being shared online.
Zach’s relentless efforts paid off when Zach’s Law was integrated into the Online Safety Act, which was passed in October 2023. The introduction of this legislation, supported by MPs from across the political spectrum, marked a significant milestone in ensuring the well-being and protection of individuals with epilepsy in the digital realm.
Expressing his gratitude, Zach thanked the Prime Minister for recognizing his hard work and conferring him with the Points of Light award. Zach’s exceptional achievement has also been acknowledged by his local MP, Kim Leadbeater, who received the same award in 2018 for her work combatting loneliness and creating a positive legacy in honor of her sister, Jo Cox.
Commenting on Zach’s remarkable accomplishment, Kim Leadbeater expressed immense pride and admiration for the 12-year-old. She emphasized the significance of Zach’s campaign against online trolling and highlighted the positive impact he, along with his mother and the Epilepsy Society, has made in creating a safer online environment. The passage of Zach’s Law represented a momentous occasion not only for Zach and his family but also for the community of Hartshead and the region of Yorkshire.
In response to receiving the award, Claire, Zach’s mother, expressed overwhelming pride in her son’s achievement. She commended Zach’s determination and reiterated their shared vision of replicating Zach’s Law on a global scale, as the internet is a platform that transcends geographical boundaries.
Zach’s inspiring journey serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of a young boy who stood against adversity, leading to significant legislative change. His unwavering dedication and resilience have undoubtedly made the world a safer place for individuals with epilepsy, and his story will continue to inspire and uplift others for years to come.
