‘She lived her life to the full’

Emma Knight-Bolton, who was 34, wanted to lead a normal life despite the unpredictability of her illness.

But Emma, a former Whitecross High School student, died following a seizure while having a bath last week at her home in Old School Lane, where she lived alone “Although on medication her fits were not fully controlled. Sometimes she would go quite a while without having a fit. Unfortunately, she had one while she was in the bath,” said her mother, Pam Knight.

“Emma led a very full life and wanted to live on her own as she was very independent. Her attitude to the epilepsy was ‘I could get knocked over on the road’. She just got on with her life so we would not have to worry.

“She was a beautiful, healthy looking young woman. She did not work because of the illness but she lived her life to the full.” Emma was determined to restrict the limitations the illness placed on her life after she started having fits at the age of 17.

“Emma never used to have any warnings. If she was in our house and we were talking to her we could see signs and we would just grab her. It was frightening for us to watch her having a fit but Emma’s attitude was just to get on with life. She did not like us worrying,” said her mum. Emma’s courage meant she played an active part in family life and spent plenty of time with her sister Sarah’s children.

“She absolutely adored her nephews Thomas and George. She was like their second mum,” said Mrs Knight. “Sarah did not mind sharing them with Em. She could not have children so she poured all her love into these two little ones.” The family have been touched by the messages of support they have received since Emma’s death.

“People have been so kind and supportive and it has really helped us. We have had more than 100 cards,” said Mrs Knight. “She just cared so much about other people. I think that has been proven in people’s support and reaction. It has totally overwhelmed us.

“She gave rather than received. She was even on first name terms with the Big Issue lady in town and if she was down to her last pound she would give it to her. It’s lovely to know that she touched so many hearts.” The tragedy occurred just when life was looking up for Emma.

“She had a lovely sense of humour,” said her father Bob Knight. “She was very proud of the fact that she had just lost two stone in weight in a few months.” Mrs Knight added: “She had turned her life around. Everybody said she was just glowing.” Plans are afoot to remember Emma, who had previously worked in Maylord Orchard.

“Emma and I were going to do the Race for Life in memory of her grandmother Nelly Knight,” said Mrs Knight. “Her Aunt Marion is going to step in and I’m still doing it but I’m going to do it for Emma now.” The family also hoped Emma’s story will raise awareness about epilepsy. “Years ago I think it was a bit of a taboo thing but I still think there should be more understanding and knowledge. People who have epilepsy are just as normal as everybody else,” ,” said Mrs Knight.

The funeral will take place tomorrow (Friday) at Holy Trinity Church in Whitecross at 11.45am. Emma’s friends are invited to attend and a collection will take place for Epilepsy Research UK and breast cancer care at Hereford’s Charles Renton unit.

Emma is also survived by her brother Lee.