A young woman who nearly died from an epilepsy attack is leading a campaign to improve accessibility for disabled people at Welsh holiday and hospitality venues.

Kamar El-Hozeil has been named an access ambassador by the social enterprise PIWS to assess venues for disability accessibility.

The 23-year-old from Porthmadog, who has Scoliosis and severe epilepsy, has taken on the role despite being prone to serious seizures.

Ms El Hoziel (L) with her support worker Tracey Dearden (R) (Image: Rick Matthews) During a seizure a few years ago, she lost consciousness and stopped breathing for over a minute, only surviving thanks to the skill of a hospital medical team.

She said: "Technically you could say I died but the incredible doctors and nurses managed to bring me back to the world."

According to Ms El-Hozeil, she's thrilled to be selected as an Access Ambassador, as the cause is close to her heart. 

Through the programme, young people aged 16 to 24 are paid to evaluate venues across Wales.

The goal is to offer feedback on their experiences in order to help attractions and venues understand the challenges faced by families, including those with hidden disabilities, so they can make appropriate adjustments to become more inclusive.

Ms El-Hozeil's first assignment was to spend four days at the popular Haven holiday park, Hafan y Môr, near Pwllheli, to assess its level of accessibility.

Mark Williams (L), head of Experience at Haven Hafan y Môr Holiday Park with Ms El Hoziel (R) (Image: Rick Matthews) Her reports are designed to highlight the positive aspects of her visit as well as areas she feels could benefit from improvements.

One of her key recommendations was that the park should consistently provide advance warnings about flashing lights or strobes, which can be especially challenging for individuals with epilepsy.

She said: "I had a great time, to be honest.

Ms El Hoziel (R) recommended that the park consistently give advance warnings about flashing lights or strobes (Image: Rick Matthews)"I was able to assess the functionality of all the park’s existing facilities for disabled users, to praise what was good and point out areas which could be better.

"Overall, the park came out well in my view.

"I had one of the best holidays ever.

"I definitely hope to go back again."

PIWS was founded by Davina Carey-Evans, an events and marketing expert and mother of three, who spent years searching for suitable leisure attractions for her son, Benjamin, now 30, who has severe autism.

Ms Carey-Evans, originally from Criccieth and now residing in Anglesey, is committed to advocating for improved accessibility across the nation.

She is particularly passionate about encouraging companies to enhance access for individuals with disabilities, including autism, learning difficulties, sensory impairments, mobility challenges, and neurological conditions.