A STRANGER inspired law student Avril Nadin, 25, of Carlton, to raise awareness for a condition she had previously not known existed.
But when she heard a former university student had died, she wanted to help.
Ms Nadin, who is in her fourth year of a double law degree at the University of Wollongong, is a recipient of this year’s St George and Sutherland Law Society award.
At the presentation in April, she met Chris O’Brien, a magistrate and member of the society and whose son Cameron was in the year below Ms Nadin at uni.
The former De La Salle Caringbah and Cronulla High School student was also in his fourth year of study when he died, aged 21.
‘‘The Law Society organised a bursary for a student who was travelling down Cameron’s path.’’ Ms Nadin said.
‘‘I hadn’t heard of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy before, so when I met Cameron’s dad, I wanted to raise awareness.’’
She is organising a seven-day, 700-kilometre charity bike ride through the Snowy Mountains, which will start on February 15.
‘‘We’re hoping to have about 20 people riding,’’ she said.
‘‘Hopefully, it will become an annual thing.’’
Bicycle shop Two Monkeys Cycling, at Penshurst, is supporting the cause.