A mother, who was given a new lease in life through charity fundraising, has met with scientists in search of a cure. 

Lorraine Hughes-Gage, from Chingford, and friend's Kenneth Slade, Amanda and Lesley Nunn, met with researchers from Epliepsy Research UK at a Royal Society reception on May 18. 

Ms Hughes-Gage's daughter Lucy Brooks, died from Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) aged 28 in 2011. 

A memorial fund was set up in her name and to date, has raised more than £47,000 for Epilepsy Research UK through events such as the Great North Run and the Three Peaks Challenge. 

In 2014, Ms Hughes-Gage marked her 60th birthday with six fundraisers, including a Purple Day collection, National Epilespy Week fair, the Penine Way walk, London to Brighton cycle ride and a charity ball at Lucy's former school. 

Her efforts last year raised over £11,000.   

She said: "All the support and encouragement has given me the drive to carry on fundraising.

"Epilepsy Research UK has given me back a purpose in my life, and I am now busy planning new events for this year."

Leigh Slocombe, chief executive of Epilepsy Research UK, added: "We are hugely grateful to Lorraine and all her wider family and friends for their tireless fundraising to support our research in memory of Lucy, and for making such a significant contribution to our research grant awards.

"This will fund much-needed new research to help transform the lives of those living with epilepsy today."