11 January 2023 , 18:36
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A dad of three has died unexpectedly from an epileptic seizure aged just 22.
Charlie Rice sadly died at his home in Plymouth last weekend, with tributes flooding in.
He left behind a daughter, a son, and a stepson.
Charlie had long-term health issues due to his condition, which could cause fits and lesions on the brain.
A few years ago, he had an operation to remove lesions on his brain, in the hope it would help make his epilepsy more manageable. However, unfortunately, the seizures continued.
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Family friend, Kelly Sandercock, is now raising funds to help his family give the young man the send-off he deserves.
Charlie leaves behind a daughter, son and stepson (Plymouth Live/BPM Media)"He absolutely loved being a dad and would have done anything for his children," Kelly told PlymouthLive.
So far, the GoFundMe page has raised £1,800 of a £2,000 goal.
"Charlie was part of an extremely close-knit family, with immense love between Charlie and his brother and only sibling, Ross," Kelly added.
"I could not even bear to imagine the pain the family is going through, as a mother myself. Obviously no parent is prepared for the death of a child."
Kelly, 43, had known Charlie for many years, as he was a "lifelong friend" to her 22-year-old son, Tyler.
She said: "Being the same age they've been so close since they were children. My son's autistic and Charlie was the only friend who really understood him.
Leftover funds will be given to Derriford Hospital (BPM MEDIA)"Tyler only saw Charlie a couple days before his death. All my kids knew Charlie. For them in particular, especially Tyler, this is such a heartbreaking time. I'm grieving too but I'm also just trying to be there for my children."
Kelly said that after the surgery, Charlie had fewer seizures, but they often seemed more extreme.
When he was younger, Charlie played a lot of football, encouraged by his parents, who he was extremely close to.
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"He really enjoyed football and was good at it," Kelly added.
"My main connection to Charlie was through my son, Tyler.
"He was a forever friend. He helped Tyler so much over the years. Charlie understood that he had differences [being autistic] and he worked with that."
Speaking on behalf of Charlie’s family, Kelly said Charlie's mum Ness, dad, Tony, and brother, Ross, wanted everyone to know that they were touched and overwhelmed by the support from people at this distressing time.
Epilepsy is a serious neurological condition that affects the central nervous system. National charity, Epilepsy Action, stated that about one in every 100 people in the UK currently has epilepsy. The condition can affect any age group.
Any funds raised via the Go Fund Me fundraiser will go towards Charlie's funeral. If there is any money left over, memory bears will be made for the children that were close to Charlie.
Any other remaining funds will go to Derriford Hospital’s Neurology Department.
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