Fundraising tribute to Lothians student Ellie Morris, who died suddenly, aged 21

Ellie Morris, from Longniddry, passed away due to an epileptic seizure on December 5, just a few days before she was due to be interviewed for her dream job with an accountancy firm.

Today the mother of the East Lothian student paid tribute to her daughter, as a JustGiving page set up to raise £1000 for Epilepsy Scotland reached £9570.

Alyson Birss created the page in December, and donations in the name of the former Preston Lodge pupil have come flooding in.

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Ellie was in her final year studying accountancy at Dundee University and had been due to interview at Deloitte when she passed away.

Alyson said: "Ellie was a really lovely girl. She was full of life, always smiling and was a real all or nothings type person.

"She was a great badminton player, loving the sport but also the friendships she made.

"She loved music especially Christina Aguellera and sang all the time. She loved travelling, loved animals and was a very loyal friend and the best big sister.”

Ellie was often in touch with her family, never missing the opportunity to see the much-loved family pet.

"We were a very close family, she FaceTimed us most days always insisting on speaking to Bella the dog. She’d found her soul mate in her boyfriend Ross and was very happy.

"She was studying accountancy at Dundee uni and was working really hard as it was her last year. She had an interview for a graduate job with Deloitte and was really excited about it.”

Ellie was laid to rest on December 17, with many people since donating to Epilepsy Scotland via the JustGiving page, and has already reached almost £10,000.

Alyson says she was touched by the generosity of people who had helped raise so much – something she says Ellie would be proud of.

“It has been incredible how people have responded to our fundraiser,” added Alyson. “Ellie always felt that there needed to be more awareness about epilepsy. She never let her epilepsy stop her doing anything but it did make her life more challenging.

“We are so proud of everything she achieved. She seemed to make an impression on many people and always made time for friends. She was very loyal and also incredibly good fun, always up for an adventure. There was always a story to tell.”

Alyson also thanked everyone who donated to the campaign

She said: “Although we wish the money raised could have helped Ellie we really hope that it will stop this happening to someone else.

"It really is your worst nightmare and we don’t want anyone else to go through this heartbreak.

"We are so grateful to everyone that has donated and we know Ellie would be amazed and proud.”

A spokesperson for Epilepsy Scotland said: “We are immensely grateful for such generosity at this incredibly sad time with friends and family making donations in loving memory of Ellie.

"The money raised will make a huge difference and will allow us to help support the 55,000 people across Scotland affected by epilepsy, their family carers and friends.”

To donate, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/alyson-birss