STAFF at a law firm staged a poignant demonstration in remembrance of former colleague who died aged 23.

Charlotte Adams was an administration assistant at Birkett Long which is based in Crouch Street, Colchester, a job she loved.

She died in her sleep from from sudden arrhythmia death syndrome, which is also known as sudden adult death syndrome.

Now the law firm has rallied together to raise awareness of young cardiac deaths and help raise funds for research.

Charlotte's friend and colleague Emma Purkiss, 40, said she was in the prime of her life.

She said: "Like me she had diabetes and I found her an inspiration.

"It was devastating when she died.

"She was a ray of sunshine when she walked through our doors in the morning.

"She was beautiful, she always had a smile on her face, she left a footprint on my heart."

Emma added: "We wanted to mark the anniversary of her death in some way and we felt a balloon release was the best way to go about it.”

Charlotte's mum, Kate Bome, said of her daughter: “She had a job she loved.

"As a young woman whose life was just coming together it was a devastating situation no-one had expected. I cherish the many tributes to my daughter.

“She lived life as if there were no tomorrow, as if she knew her life was ending soon.

"I think releasing the balloons is a lovely way to remember her.”

Charlotte’s family has set up a memorial fund in her name on the website of the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young.

The group aims to prevent sudden young cardiac deaths through awareness, screening and research and also supports the bereaved.

Alison Cox, chief executive and founder of CRY, said: “On behalf of all of us at CRY, I would like to say thank you to all the team at Birkett Long for everything they are doing to help raise both funds and awareness in Charlotte’s memory.

“It takes great courage and determination for anyone who has been affected by young sudden cardiac death to be able to see beyond their own situation and to want to devote time and energy to helping CRY.”

CRY's website can be found at www.c-r-y.org.uk and a Justgiving page has been set up under justgiving.com/CharlotteAdams22.

Funds will also be raised via a raffle for the charity, in Charlotte’s memory, at a Michael Bublé, Olly Murs and Robbie Williams tribute concerts at Witham Public Hall on December 8 and 9.