A Southminster pub raised hundreds this month for a 22-year-old girl who died in her sleep.

Maisie Tothill died unexpectedly following a series of seizures that begun in her first year of university.

She had a variety of tests which showed nothing unusual but was advised by a doctor to avoid stress after having a second seizure a year later.

After she graduated from University the frequency of the seizures increased to quarterly and then, monthly and fortnightly towards the end of her life.

Her parents have since started up the ‘Maisie Tothill Foundation’ to make a difference to the lives of young people and their families by continuing to promote the causes that were so important to Maisie.

On her campaign page, her parents said: “We learnt that epilepsy is not an exact science and diagnosis not straightforward.”

The King’s Head in Southminster chipped in by hosting an early Oktoberfest to raise money in support of the foundation.

Nicky Tothill, Maisie’s mum, said: “It has been very hard for us all to come to terms with the loss of our beautiful, intelligent and determined Maisie.

“But the overwhelming support and generosity of friends, family and wonderful people such as the Kings Head Team gives us a reason to smile.

“We hope that through Maisie's loss we can make sure that positive changes will happen.”

“It was an absolutely fantastic day that raised an amazing £500 which will help us continue to support families affected by epilepsy.

“It also helped raise awareness of the dangers of Sudden and Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), which is something that families only seem to find out about once a loved one has lost their life.”

Peter Dare, landlord of the King’s Head, said: “Maisie's brother Tom is a regular of ours at the pub, so we decided to raise money for the foundation alongside enjoying a wonderful German themed day with our customers which was massive hit!

“We couldn't continue to organise events such as these without the support of our regulars and the wider community who all come together in helping us to raise amazing funds for such worthy charities.

“This is just one of many of our charity events of the year, our final one being the Christmas Fayre where we are raising funds for the Community First Responders on the 8th December.”

To support the Maisie Tothill Foundation visit: themaisietothillfoundation.org