THE family of a Helensburgh man who died suddenly following an epileptic seizure say they're determined to raise awareness about the seriousness of the condition.

Mark Woolmer died on January 10 at his Hood Court home.

His funeral takes place in the town on Saturday morning.

The 20-year-old was diagnosed with myoclonic epilepsy following his first seizure when he was aged 16.

Myoclonic seizures are brief, shock-like jerks of a muscle or a group of muscles, which can occur within a short time.

Since then, Mark and his family had been regular visitors to hospital, trying to stabilise his medication, without success.

Jodie, said: "What started out as occasional twitches and jerks developed and started to become more frequent. He started having seizures which were getting worse.

"He was really good at taking his medication, we just never got it stabilised. My worst fear was that he would have a seizure in bed and it happened."

She added: "I never thought I'd have to arrange a funeral for my boy."

The family are now determined to try and raise more awareness about epilepsy as many of them didn't know how serious the condition could be.

Jodie continued: "I didn't know about it until Mark had it. I had heard of epilepsy but didn't know much more than that.

"I guess you don't know about it until you are faced with it. The young might not consider it – they think they are invincible.

"I want to raise awareness that it is serious, and I think there needs to be more knowledge. Young people need to understand it and be prepared.

"When Mark was diagnosed we had to learn everything about it all at once. I just think there needs to be more understanding.

"We are all devastated. He was my best friend and we bounced off each other well. He had everyone wrapped around his little finger, and he will be greatly missed by all."

Mark's friends have been a real source of comfort for the family, who expressed their gratitude for visits from his close friends and messages of support.

Jodie said: "Mark had so many friends, some like Tommy, William, Robbie and Sean, from when he was really young.

"I have seen them all grow up and they are a great bunch of boys. They have been great with me and some of them have even got tattoos in his memory. The rest of his friends have also been amazing.

"We can't thank everyone enough for the outpouring of love we have experienced. The support really helps and we can't thank everyone enough."

An online fund-raising page to raise money for a lasting memorial to Mark has attracted more than £1,600 in donations.

Any money left over after a memorial is in place will be donated to Epilepsy Scotland in Mark's name.

Family friend Jenna Hall, who set up the page, said she wanted to take some of the pressure off the family and help in any way she could.

Jenna said: "I personally knew Mark from when he was a cheeky wee boy and watched him grow up into a genuine, kind hearted, popular man who everyone respected and loved.

"He had such a good group of friends around him. All the troops, as he would say, are truly devastated.

"They have lost a brother, a friend and in many ways part of their family.

"Mark was my next door neighbour for years. My kids looked up to Mark in many ways and he was always in for a cuppa and chat whenever you needed him.

"My heart truly goes out to Jodie and her family. They now have a gap in their lives which will never be filled but will always remain in everyone's hearts.

"The page is just a way of giving something back to a family who were there for me and who I also had so much time for.

"The contributions will go towards something in remembrance for Mark around the Helensburgh area where friends and loved ones can visit, pay tribute and remember all the good times and memories Mark gave them.

"You will be sadly missed by many, Mark. Fly high friend."

Mark's family – mum Jodie, her partner Steph, siblings Des and Sean, nana Jane, Great granda Dougie senior, granda Dougie junior, aunt Katie, uncles Jack and Gavin, great uncle Steven, cousin Abbie and Mark's girlfriend Niamh, thank everyone for their messages of support and kind words for To make a donation towards Mark's memorial visit https://www.leetchi.com/c/memorial-mark-woolner

Mark's funeral is being held in the Victoria Halls on Saturday morning at 10am, followed by a burial at Kirkmichael Cemetery, and then on to the Ardencaple Hotel.

All are welcome to attend and donations will be collected at the funeral.