THE loved-ones of a young woman who died suddenly have fundraised tirelessly to help prevent more people suffering from the rare disease that killed her.

Friends and family of Charlotte Adams, a 23-year-old from Chelmsford who died of adult sudden death syndrome, have raised more than £12,000 for the charity CRY.

In 2014, the admin assistant went to bed one night and never woke.

Since then, Charlie’s Angels have held a string of fundraisers, with their latest being a black tie dinner with 100 guests at the Lion House, Boreham.

It alone raised £3,660.

Last month, three generations walked together in London to raise awareness for the charity, the eldest being Charlotte's Grandma Maureen Spurdens, 79.

Her mother, Kate Bome said: "It is still extremely hard getting over the death of my daughter.

"I hope that some good can come out of Charlotte's death, and raising awareness and holding fundraisers is one way to help with the grieving process.

"I just don't want anyone else to suffer what we as a family have suffered, and if the money we raise for the charity helps people, then at least that's something.

"I think it's amazing all of the support people have given me, and I would like to say thank you to everyone who has helped."

According to charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), 12 seemingly fit and healthy people aged 35 and under die suddenly every week in the UK from a previously undiagnosed heart condition.

In 80 per cent of cases, there will have been no signs or symptoms, which is why CRY believes cardiac screening is so important.