THE family of a ten-year-old boy who died from sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) are hosting a special ball and charity auction in his memory.

Charlie Burns, from Larkhill, died when he suffered two seizures within days of each other in October 2011.

His condition was unknown to anyone because up until four days before he died, he was an apparently fit and healthy child.

Since his death, his parents and sister have raised an incredible £46,000 along with awareness of the condition with the majority of funds going to SUDEP Action, but also the Stars Appeal, Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Families Activity Breaks, a charity supporting bereaved military families.

Now Baz and Jan Burns, and their daughter Izzie, are organising a black-tie ball which will include a champagne reception, a full night of entertainment and a three-course meal.

The Sunflower Ball on October 3 will also include a charity auction and a raffle, and is being held at the Stone’s Hotel, High Post in Salisbury.

All money raised from the event will go to SUDEP Action, with proceeds directed to research into a tiny wearable device to monitor breathing in those with epilepsy where, if breathing stops, an alarm is triggered.

When Charlie had his first seizure on October 7, his parents called an ambulance but paramedics thought it was a febrile convulsion, due to a high temperature, and didn’t take him to hospital.

Still worried, Mr and Mrs Burns took Charlie to see their GP who suggested he might be suffering from nocturnal epilepsy and referred him to see a neurologist.

But the first available appointment was several weeks away, and Charlie suffered another seizure and died just four days later.

Mrs Burns said: “On Tuesday, October 11, Charlie went to school as normal, showing no signs of sickness or temperature throughout the entire day. He was totally himself and we took him to visit his sister at boarding school. We had a lovely evening and Charlie was his normal self – we had such a happy and funny time together.

“Charlie went to bed that evening at 8.45pm, an hour later he had died.”

Tickets for the ball are £45 per person and £400 per table (ten per table). For tickets or to sponsor the event, visit bazburns.wix.com/charliesangels