AN EIGHTEEN year old student from Ross on Wye died as a result of sudden expected death in epilepsy, an inquest has heard.

Lydia Cole died suddenly on December 20 last year at home aged 18 years old. The student was found in her bedroom by her mother that morning after she did not come downstairs as normal.

Lydia had suffered from epilepsy since birth, which proved difficult to control with oral medication.

The inquest heard that she underwent surgery in July 2016 at Birmingham Children's Hospital to control her seizures which improved her condition.

In November, one month before her death, Lydia was reported to be free of seizures, leading to doctors agreeing to slowly wean her of her medication.

Coroner Mark Bricknell attributed Lydia's death to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy and was satisfied that the cause was natural.

Giving evidence, Lydia's family expressed their disappointment with the care she had received at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

Summing up, Mr Bricknell appreciated it was 'scant' comfort for Lydia's family but stated that he believed the hospital gave the best care they could to Lydia.

Closing the inquest he paid his condolences to Lydia's family and said: "I cannot imagine what it is like to lose a child."

Lydia's family are now determined to ensure Lydia's memory lives on through the newly established Lydia Cole Foundation.

The foundation has been set up in Lydia's honour to raise money to help various causes which support disadvantaged children in Ross and Monmouth.

Her family will hold a Family Fun Day on Saturday, July 28 to raise money on what would have been Lydia's 19th birthday.

The event takes place at Walford Village Hall from 12-3pm and will feature bouncy castles, slides, games and a raffle and all proceeds will be donated to the Lydia Cole Foundation.

Later that day at the same venue, the family will hold a fundraising auction evening in Lydia's name.

Tickets cost £10 booked in advance or £12 on the door and the event includes a band and a hog roast.

To purchase tickets contact Rachel on 07794755669 or email rbmllewellyn@hotmail.com.