A MUM whose son died from epilepsy is preparing to walk the length of the Leeds and Liverpool canal in his memory.

Physiotherapist Hilary Baldwin, of Barrowford, will trek 127 miles over seven days to raise cash for research into sudden and unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).

Her son Robert, known as Bob, died from the condition in January 2004, aged 19.

The former Nelson and Colne College student was in his second year at university when he died.

Mrs Baldwin, of Nora Street, will complete the walk with friend April Mills, of Blackpool after the pair met at a support group meeting last year.

Mrs Mills' son Christopher was also 19 when he died.

Mrs Baldwin said: "We wanted to do something challenging, without having to pay a lot to do it.

"The Leeds and Liverpool is the longest canal in the country - and all the money we raise will go directly to charity.

"We have been doing plenty of walking to get into shape, and we are pretty much ready now - we've certainly broken in our boots!"

Sponsorship cash for the walk has already topped £700, and Mrs Baldwin said there was much more still to come in.

Thousands of pounds have been raised for epilepsy research since Bob's death, with a range of charity events organised by friends and family over the years.

"I haven't sat down and added up exactly how much has been raised for Bob, but I know it will run into the thousands.

"We want to do as much as we can to find out why this happens."

There are 500 cases of SUDEP every year - causing otherwise healthy young adults to die in their sleep.

Mrs Baldwin said she hoped the walk would help raise awareness of the condition.

At the end of their walk next Sunday, the pair will arrive at the Eldonian village hall, Liverpool, to a reception held by the Epilepsy Bereaved charity to coincide with National Epilepsy Week.