THE mother of a 25-year-old epilepsy sufferer who died suddenly has described her daughter as a “beautiful person” and paid tribute to her bravery.On Wednesday Jacqui Howlett said that her daughter Amy Butler fought to lead an independent life despite suffering from a severe form of the condition.

THE mother of a 25-year-old epilepsy sufferer who died suddenly has described her daughter as a “beautiful person” and paid tribute to her bravery.

On Wednesday Jacqui Howlett said that her daughter Amy Butler fought to lead an independent life despite suffering from a severe form of the condition.

Mrs Howlett, from Ditchingham, near Bungay, said her daughter was a healthy baby who first started having fits after getting mumps as a toddler.

The condition carried on into adulthood and could not be controlled despite Amy taking a daily mix of drugs.

Mrs Howlett said that recent tests revealed that her daughter was unconscious for 40pc of her waking day, suffering frequent absences of three or four seconds. The family was told that surgery was not an option.

Mrs Howlett said that Amy had bravely battled her medical problems and in a bid to lead an independent life she had moved out of home and into a bungalow at Earsham.

But Amy's family were devastated after she was found dead at home on January 21.

An exact cause of death has yet to be established, but Mrs Howlett said she believes her daughter suffered a fit.

“Everything was a challenge for Amy and there was nothing anybody could do,” Mrs Howlett said.

“Her epilepsy was never controlled and she would have three or four second absences all the time, making it difficult for her to understand people's conversations.

“She was so brave - people don't realise how much she suffered. She tried her best to get on with people and to be independent, but it was hard for her and hard for her friends.

“She just wanted to be like everyone else. She wanted to have a job and a baby.”

Mrs Howlett said that Amy, who went to school in Bungay, also suffered from a mood disorder, although this was under control at the time of her death. Amy was also proud after she recently lost four stone by following a healthy diet.

“Half the time she was a pain, but I would do it all again if I could have her back,” said Mrs Howlett. “Amy was such a beautiful person. She would have given you her last penny. She is now free.”

Amy leaves a large family including two brothers and a sister. Her funeral will take place at Gorleston Crematorium on Monday.