THE tragic and unexpected death of a young Bournemouth finance assistant has prompted calls for research into a little known form of epilepsy.

Sharon Golledge was just 25 when an electrical seizure claimed her life to the shock of her friends and family.

Now they have pledged to raise money to fund research into the condition, one which Sharon had no idea she was suffering from.

Her boyfriend of seven years, who found her dead in bed, has vowed to do all he can and has urged the public to send donations to funeral directors, who will take care of the money until a fund has been set up.

Sharon, a popular employee at EIMS in Bournemouth, suffered a fit about three months before her death but tests did not reveal an ongoing problem.

She had been suffering from disturbed sleep patterns but it is not known if that was caused by epilepsy.

She returned to her flat at the Triangle and went on holiday to Spain with her boyfriend, returning just three days before her death.

Her boyfriend, 37, has asked the Daily Echo not to print his name because he is so distressed about Sharon's death.

"I am finding it very difficult and I don't think I could cope with a lot of people approaching me at the moment" he said.

"Sharon was my life - her death was senseless. All the donations will go to research into this and I will continue to raise money until I understand how this happened."

Her boyfriend had stayed at his parent's home in Ensbury Park the night before Sharon's death.

"I left her Sunday night with a kiss and told her I would see the next day. The next day I had a phone call from her work to say she hadn't gone in and I found her, the girl I loved was gone."

Sharon, originally from the Glastonbury area, died on March 12. At her funeral a week later there were 172 people.

"The number of people at the funeral was a comfort to her parents. Sharon touched people's hearts with her strength of spirit and a smile to melt anyone," said her boyfriend.

"Her parents and I would like to extend our thanks to all the people who have been so supportive - she would be so happy so many people cared."

Anyone who wishes to send donations can do so through Deric Scott Funeral Director, Portman Lodge, 755 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth. Enquiries to 01202 309609.