THE family of a student with epilepsy who died suddenly at university is now campaigning to raise awareness of the condition.

Amelia 'Millie' Ashworth, died on October 30 just after starting a course at Edge Hill University near Ormskirk.

The 19-year-old, from Oswaldtwistle, who studied at Mount Carmel RC High School in Accrington, as well as Blackburn College, had battled with epilepsy for around five years, her mother Louise Ashworth said.

Mrs Ashworth, 45, said although the family are awaiting pathology reports on the official cause of her death, they are trying to raise awareness of epilepsy and the dangers it can bring.

She said: “The fits became gradually more and more frequent and more intense, going from minor ones to loss of consciousness and her limbs becoming rigid.

"It was very severe, it took a year to get full diagnosis.

“I saw her on the Tuesday before she died, she was fine. It was hard for me to see how she was doing because she was at university and I could not check on her all the time.”

Millie had created a short film about the condition to educate others.

Epilepsy affects the brain and causes seizures.

Seizures are bursts of electrical activity in the brain that temporarily affect how it works.

It can start at any age but mainly starts in childhood or people aged above 60.

Chris McCaughran, Millie’s uncle, said the family are now trying to continue the positive awareness by working with her previous schools, colleges and Edge Hill University to create support networks, exhibitions and help provide advice around epilepsy.

Mr McCaughran, 40, said Blackburn College have confirmed they are going to name an award after Millie as a tribute to her memory.

He said: “Millie had a close circle of friends and anyone would tell you she would be your best friend.

“She wasn’t shy or embarrassed about her condition, that’s why she made that short film about it, which initially started as a course project. She was a bright, intelligent girl who had a lot to live for.

“When Blackburn College rang up to ask us if they could name the award after her, we were really happy as her name can live on.”

Hundreds of people paid their respects at St Mary’s Church in Oswaldtwistle for the mass service to celebrate Millie's life.

Edge Hill University will be putting on a photography exhibition in Millie’s name, which will focus around the colour purple – which is associated with the condition when raising awareness.

Mr McCaughran said: “The school, college and university have been amazing.

“We’re speaking to them all about doing something to raise awareness of epilepsy.

“They will hopefully be giving out advice for their students so they know what to do if they see someone have an epileptic episode, or help themselves manage the condition. Even if we help one person, it’s still well worth doing.

“I didn't have a lot of knowledge about the condition before Millie had it, but now I know a lot and we need to highlight it to help others.”