THE FAMILY of Sophie Leanne Drozdzik, who tragically drowned in Dickens Heath canal last month, have paid tribute to their ‘beautiful daughter’.
The 18-year-old Warwickshire College student was found in the early hours of July 3 after it is believed she fell in the canal after suffering from an epileptic seizure.
Her tragic death came just hours after discovering she had achieved the grades required to follow her dreams and study T.V. Production at Bournemouth University.
Describing her passing as leaving ‘a huge hole’ in their lives, the family, who did not want to be individually identified, said:
“Sophie was a beautiful, talented and enthusiastic girl who loved life and wanted to help everyone.
“She was a truly caring person who touched the hearts of so many and we would like to thank all of those people who have shared their memories and stories of Sophie with us.
“We know that whilst this is a very sad time and our family and friends are devastated by the news, Sophie loved life and would want people to remember her smile and laughter and celebrate her life and all she achieved in such a short time.”
Sophie developed juvenile myoclonic epilepsy in January 2014, which resulted in her suffering from irregular seizures.
As a result everyday tasks such as shopping, climbing stairs and taking a bath became potentially dangerous situations for the teenager.
Working with her consultant, Sophie was trying to establish the correct medication to control her condition and understand the triggers which brought about her seizures.
But her family say more research needs to be done and believe that if Sophie’s condition was better understood she would still be alive today.
They now plan to set up a trust fund in her name and raise money to fund research into juvenile epilepsy in the hopes of gaining greater knowledge and awareness of its causes, symptoms and treatments.
The family added: “We will continue to work directly with Sophie’s consultant to ensure that we maximise the effectiveness of the funds raised and that all money is spent on research as opposed to any other associated costs.
“We feel that this will honor Sophie’s life and provide a legacy to help others living with the condition that took her away from us.”
Donations, can be made to the Sophie Drozdzik Epilepsy Research Trust (SDERT) through Thomas Bragg & Sons, Funeral Directors, 562 Stratford Road, Shirley, Solihull, B90 4AY.
Alternatively, donations can be made online via the JustGiving website https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/sophie-drozdzik
