YOUNGSTERS from primary schools across Harwich and Dovercourt will be dressing up as dogs for charity.

Children from six schools in the area are taking part in Dress Like A Dog Day to raise funds in memory of Maisie Tothill, who died from an epileptic seizure aged just 22.

More than 1,500 pupils from Two Village, Chase Lane, All Saints’, Mayflower, Harwich and Spring Meadow primary schools are also raising money for Support Dogs - a charity which trains dogs to predict seizures in people with epilepsy.

The fundraising day, on Wednesday, July 3, has been organised by Maisie’s mum Nicky Patrick, who set up the Maisie Tothill Foundation after her daughter’s death in January this year.

Nicky, who is Spring Meadow Primary School’s headteacher, said: “I lost my 22-year-old daughter, Maisie, to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) earlier this year and we have been raising money from friends and family through a Just Giving page along with other fundraising activities in her name for Support Dogs and SUDEP Action.

“Maisie was a remarkable young lady.

“She graduated from Leeds University last summer with a degree in politics, which was one of her many passions.

“Maisie wanted to use this to make a real difference, and through the Maisie Tothill Foundation, her family is determined to make a difference to the lives of young people and their families by continuing to promote the causes that were so important to Maisie.”

Tess Thompson, from Support Dogs, will visit all five schools during the day to talk to pupils about the work of seizure alert dogs.

Tess said: “We’re very grateful to Nicky to organising this event in memory of her daughter to raise both awareness of epilepsy, and funding to help us train more wonderful seizure alert dogs, who help our clients lead safer, more independent lives.”

Seizure alert dogs give an 100per cent reliable warning of an epileptic seizure up to 50 minutes in advance, enabling their owner to find a place of safety, and take control of the situation.

Support Dogs also trains dogs for children with autism, and adults with physical disabilities.