Our daughter Sophie was a beautiful, talented and enthusiastic 18-year-old girl who loved life and wanted to help everyone. She was a truly caring person who touched the hearts of so many. During January 2014, Sophie developed juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, which resulted in a pattern of irregular seizures. In July 2015, whilst experiencing a seizure, Sophie had a tragic accident, which resulted in the loss of her life. We hope to prevent this happening to others.

Medical understanding regarding the triggers and treatment for juvenile myoclonic epilepsy is sadly lacking. This results in the creation of high-risk environments from what, for many of us are completely normal situations. Shopping, a country walk, taking a bath or simply using the stairs leaves young patients extremely vulnerable to harm, injury and loss of life whilst experiencing or recovering from a seizure. We want to raise funds to advance medical research into this condition.

Sophie's family and many friends plan to complete a sponsored walk along the same canal towpath where Sophie lost her life. It will take place on July 23rd 2016 which is the first anniversary of the day we laid her to rest last year. We all feel very strongly that being proactive is the right way to honour the life of a wonderful girl who died simply because medical aid currently isn't effective enough. Supporting the medical profession to find an effective treatment to prevent further loss of life is essential.

Funds raised will go directly into research for juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, in the hope that clinicians gain a greater knowledge and awareness around its causes, symptoms and treatment. It is our aim to improve understanding and treatment, thus reducing the risks to the loss of young life. We will continue to work directly with Sophie's consultant to ensure that we maximise the effectiveness of the funds raised and all money will be spent on research as opposed to any other associated costs.