PARENTS who found their daughter dead on the sofa are raising awareness of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome.

Elise Fitzpatrick, 24, was a perfectly healthy young adult.

She had just moved into a flat in Rayne at the end of August last year, and a couple of weeks later, on September 3, her parents went round to check up on her.

Mum Kirsty had not heard from her daughter all day, which was unusual, and she was shocked to find Elise dead on her sofa.

After three months of investigation, the cause of death was noted as Sudden Adult Death Syndrome, as Elise had nothing physically wrong with her.

Kirsty, who also lives in Rayne, said: "She had only been in her new flat for two weeks, we found her on the sofa.

"I had tried to resuscitate her but she had passed quite a while before.

"There were no suspicious circumstances and it took a while for us to find out what it was."

Wanting answers, Kirsty got involved with the Cardiac Risk in the Young foundation.

She underwent various tests at St George's Hospital in London, which revealed she had a genetic disorder which causes an abnormal heart rhythm.

The Notley High student's DNA has been kept to see if there is a common link with her mum's disorder.

Mrs Fitzpatrick, who also lives in Rayne, said: "She had been out the night before with a friend who said she had been complaining of a headache and feeling cold.

"I had never heard of anything like Sudden Adult Death Syndrome, it isn't an answer.

"When someone is ill you can explain it, but there was never anything wrong with Elise.

"She was the happiest she had ever been, she knew what she wanted in life and she had a list of what she wanted to do. It was totally unfair."

Elise had been working at The Dental Studio in Bergholt Road, Colchester, and enjoyed visiting her brother and three younger sisters- Connor, 17, Macie, 11, Tilly, eight, and Isla, five.

Mrs Fitzpatrick, who is married to Elise's dad Sean, said Elise had a great relationship with her siblings.

She said: "She didn't have a bad bone in her body- she was beautiful, had a great sense of humour and loved life.

"She was a big part of their lives."

On May 21, Elise’s friends and family are running the Para10 in her memory, to raise awareness of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome and raise funds for the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young.

Dad Sean, a cadet instructor, is running the 10 Mile route carrying a 35lb rucksack.

So far almost £2,240 has been raised.

To donate visit Elise's fundraising page here.

For more information about SADS click here.

  • DENTISTS went through the pain barrier to raise money and awareness about Elise’s condition.

A trio of teeth technicians from The Dental Studio, along with Mile End councillor Martin Goss, bravely had their bodies waxed by staff from Beauty at the Bay.

Other staff from the practice ran the Para 10 race with Elise’s friends and family and sponsorship money will be donated to Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) to help fund research into sudden adult death syndrome.

Gazette:

Principal dentist Stephen Pitt said he was still getting used to his new smooth exterior but was glad the team could help in a small way.

He said: “It was very painful, and I am really itchy and think my skin is reacting to the treatment.

“I think Marie, who was doing the treatment, got a bit excited and did a lot more than we had originally planned.

“I had my chest and back done along with Martin and Ian Paterson but I also ended up with my nostrils and eyebrows treated.

“Luke Ranson had his legs done and I think we got a bit more than we bargained for.”

Dr Pitt added Elise was a joy to work with and hoped the money raised would help fund more tests into the condition.

He said: “If CRY could arrange for genetic testing or have the checks included in more routine tests then it might be able to save people.

“Elise was a great person - she had an infectious laugh and was the life and soul of the team.

“From a professional point of view she was excellent with our patients.

“She was our patient co-ordinator so was with them from the start of their experience right until the end.

“She had the most incredible professional manner but when she needed to pick someone up with a laugh or a joke she could do that too.”

So far the wax has helped raise £700 for CRY.

To donate click here.