TRIBUTES have been paid to a student who tragically died following an epileptic seizure.

Ben Belverstone, 18, was a “committed” student on a painting and decorating course at Southend’s Prospects College, but died after suffering a fit at home.

His family are too shocked to talk about Ben’s death, but the college is rallying around his family and friends and plans to hold a charity football match in his honour.

Ben’s tutor, Shaun Thrower, said Ben “had time for everyone”

and that the college wanted to do something to remember him.

He said: “Everyone was totally shocked and wanted to do something for Ben’s family.

“His death was so sudden.

Everyone was totally gobsmacked.

We wanted to try to do as much as we could to remember him.”

Ben, from Southend, was found dead by his grandmother at her home on June 22 after staying overnight.

He had earlier suffered a seizure while out with his girlfriend and had to be taken to Southend Hospital, but had been allowed home.

He began suffering from epilepsy two years ago, but his condition had worsened in recent weeks.

Mr Thrower said: “He always made up any time he missed and never made any excuses. He was totally committed to his course.

“He was a very good student.

If I asked a question, he would always know it. He was getting on so well.”

Mr Thrower added: “He would do anything for anyone.

“He was involved in a young carers programme, which gives support to carers because he used to care for his nan. He became a mentor for other carers as he got older.

“From May he started to get more and more seizures during the day when they had normally been at night. He had one three weeks ago in college.

“Then he was out with his girlfriend on Southend seafront when he had a seizure and was taken to hospital.

“They released him and he stayed at his nan’s. His dad called on the Sunday morning and his nan went to wake him.

That’s when she found him.”

Mr Thrower said Ben’s untimely death had prompted staff and friends at the college to organise a charity football match in his memory.

The charity match was due to take place today in the grounds of Prospects and Futures Colleges. The proceeds will go to epilepsy and cancer research charities.