A FUNDRAISER for the Epilepsy Society was held at the Bray Centre, Marhamchurch, on Saturday, March 24, in memory of Georgie Butler, and raised a staggering £2,668.78.

Georgie, who suffered from epilepsy all her life, was just 20 when she lost her life to SUDEP (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy) back in October 2013.

She left behind a daughter, Cali, who is now five, and in memory of their daughter, Georgie’s parents Neale and Susie decided to put on a special fundraiser close to what would have been her 25th birthday on March 22. This also coincided with the charity’s purple day for awareness, which took place on March 26.

Running from midday to 4pm, dozens of people came through the doors to enjoy lunches, teas and coffees and a huge raffle while Budehaven Sixth Form student, Alyssa Wint was on hand to sing throughout the afternoon.

In the end, the event raised over £2,600, much to Susie’s surprise.

She said: “I decided earlier this year to do another event for her 25th birthday to give me something to focus on as I wasn’t feeling particularly great at the time.

“I was hoping to raise £200 but to be able to pay in £2,668.78 to the Epilepsy Society is beyond my wildest dreams.

“The day went really well, it was much bigger than I thought. I hope to do another one on what would have been her 30th. I don’t want to exhaust it.

“However the support and response from the local community has been fantastic and I can’t thank everyone enough for their efforts in raising such a fantastic amount of money for such a worthwhile cause.”