THE sudden death of a ‘much loved’ uncle has inspired a family to hold a family fun day in Lostock Gralam.

David Washington, aged just 47, sadly passed away in August last year from sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).

The term is used when a person with epilepsy dies without warning and the post-mortem cannot establish any other cause of death.

Recent studies estimate the SUDEP accounts for the death of one in 1,000 people with epilepsy each year, and this is something that David’s family want to change.

“David was a much loved and well-known man, and a lot of people thought a great deal of him,” said his niece, Diane Stanley.

“My cousin, Sarah Deakin, came up with the idea to hold a fun day and as a family, we decided to raise money for the charity SUDEP Action in memory of our amazing uncle.

“We hope to make people aware of this charity, which has been so supportive to us at a time when we needed it the most.

“David loved his karaoke on a Friday night at the Slow and Easy pub in Lostock Gralam, and we will remember him as we raise money for this wonderful charity.”

The family will be holding a family fun day at the Slow and Easy from 1pm on Sunday, October 20, and people of all ages are welcome to attend.

Among the activities will be face painting and a bouncy castle for children as well as music from a DJ and a raffle.

Donations to SUDEP Action can also be made via the family’s Just Giving page here.