THE life of a popular Tytherington schoolgirl was cut tragically short when she suffered a fatal epileptic fit.

Only a handful of family members and close friends realised Jenny Sykes, 17, suffered with the condition when she collapsed and died at her home on Amersham Close.

She had lived with epilepsy since having her first fit on her first day at the high school.

This week, pupils at Tytherington High School held a moving memorial service for Jenny. They are also to name a star after their friend for what would have been her 18th birthday on November 3.

Kerry Stephens, 17, who had been friends with Jenny since primary school, said she had not let epilepsy spoil her life.

She said: "After the first attack she was okay for about three years but then the fits started getting more frequent, particularly in her last few months.

"Apart from a few close friends nobody really knew about it. She dealt with it really well and didn't let it stop her from doing what she wanted to do.

"Many of her neighbours were stunned to hear about what had happened, they had no idea about the epilepsy. I just can't believe she has gone."

In the weeks before her death, Jenny, who had a part-time job in WH Smith on Mill Street, had been concerned about her AS level exams believing she had performed poorly.

She didn't live long enough to discover she had pulled off two A grades plus a B and C in English, Psychology, History and French.

Sophie Haydock, one of Jenny's closest friends, said: "She loved life. Nobody can really believe that she has gone.

"Jenny really wanted to go to university because she thought she would have a lot of fun there. Her ambition was to get a job in languages and a husband.

"She was great at art and loved to paint.

"We wanted to organise a tribute to her which epitomised her life - passionate and lively.

"Some of us weren't able to go to the funeral and we wanted to say goodbye in a way that we knew Jen would have liked."

Jenny's family joined friends, teachers and school staff for the 30 minute ceremony. Her closest friends designed and printed a programme packed with photos of Jenny's life and bearing memories of their fun-loving friend.

The ceremony finished on an upbeat note with a piece of Jenny's favourite music, "Dancing in the Moonlight",

Jenny's funeral had been held at St Michael's All Angels Parish Church in July but many friends wanted their own unique tribute.

She is also to be honoured by the school in the form of a new award for sixth form pupils called the Jennifer Sykes Award for Students Overcoming Adversity.

Friends are also organising a sponsored dance to raise funds for the Epilepsy Research Foundation.

Headteacher Andy Robinson said: "Jenny was a super person and a great asset to the school. It was terribly sad to hear of her death. Her friends have done her proud - this was a moving occasion."