BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Steve Crossman has revealed that he experienced a seizure while broadcasting live from Mexico during his World Cup coverage. The presenter had traveled to cover the tournament, which is being staged across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and has been documenting his experiences on Twitter.
Seizure On Air
Prior to his return to the UK, Crossman spoke candidly about his health on social media, just days after announcing he would be running next year's London Marathon for the Epilepsy Society, in memory of his late sister. "So, I had a seizure whilst on air in Mexico not long after arriving at the World Cup," he wrote. "I stuck it out, inspired by my sister who never let her epilepsy stop her." He added, "It's been tough BUT I've been surrounded by amazing @5liveSport friends. (Yes this is another sponsorship plea)."
Support From Followers
Supporters were swift to respond with messages of encouragement. One follower wrote: "Sorry to hear this Steve. You are such an excellent broadcaster and come across as a thoroughly decent bloke. All the best." Another replied: "Love listening to you on the radio, I hope you are well and good luck on the marathon next year. You are all doing a brilliant job on the World Cup." A Twitter user added: "Sorry to hear that Steve. Glad you're ok but crap circumstances (not that it's ever good circumstances)."
Previous Discussions About Epilepsy
Crossman previously spoke openly about his condition during a 5 Live Breakfast segment in 2024. He revealed that he was diagnosed with the neurological condition in 2013, having experienced his first "proper seizure" the previous year. "I often say to people, 'epilepsy is not just seizures'. Seizures are the worst of epilepsy," he said in the clip. "They're awful, they're embarrassing and they're physically very dangerous, but the mental health impacts on people who have epilepsy, and the families of people who have epilepsy, is awful."
London Marathon for Epilepsy Society
Earlier this week, Crossman confirmed that he would be taking on the London Marathon next year, aiming to raise funds in memory of his sister, Jill, who died from a seizure in her sleep in 2021. In a heartfelt post, he explained: "You'll have to get used to these posts! We lost my amazing sister Jill to her epilepsy and I'm running the 2027 London Marathon for @epilepsysociety. I'm a sufferer myself of this dreadful disease, if you can spare a couple of quid it'd mean the world."
On his fundraising page, he added: "I have epilepsy and my sister Jill died from Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) in 2021. She was one of the most resilient people I've ever known and if she could find the bravery to live amongst polar bears in Alaska during her amazing life then I think I should be able to plod my way round London! Any donation you can give will help the Epilepsy Society to continue their incredible work and will spur me on throughout my training!"
