Michelle McMillan was born at Stratton Hospital in Bude, Cornwall on July 28, 1991, to parents Andy and Sue Smith.
From an early age it was clear to see Michelle had a very strong will; she decided before the age of two that she would not wear dresses. Her Mum would dress her in a pretty dress in the morning, and within minutes she would be in the wardrobe and changing into t-shirt and jeans. It wasn't until aged 16 she decided she would wear a dress occasionally!
This continued throughout her life; she had true grit and determination in battling diabetes, epilepsy, hypothyroid, coeliac and a broken femur; Michelle was racing around the hospital on crutches just hours after her operation.
Even in her love life she knew exactly what she wanted! She met her husband, Ben, at age 11. They soon became close and dated until they left for University in 2009. However, Michelle had made up her mind that she was going to be with Ben, and they were married on 12 July 2014.
Michelle would not let anything phase her. With a determined personality she graduated from Nottingham University and went on to complete a Masters in Social Work, despite sufferring more frequently from epileptic fits, so that she could do what she loved doing; caring for others.
Her caring nature meant she always had time for others and combined with her strong moral compass meant she always knew the right things to say.
Michelle passed away on the morning of Saturday 16 January 2016 after suffering an epileptic fit. We have no real explanation for her passing, and this is something we want to work towards changing. We think Michelle may have been a victim of SUDEP - Sudden Unexpected Death In Epilepsy. Very little is known about SUDEP and we believe, in Michelle's name, this is something we can help change. All donations on this site in memory of Michelle will go to SUDEP Action, and the family will be undertaking work to improve knowledge of the risks associated with SUDEP.
Michelle was laid to rest Wednesday 10th February 2016 in Littlehampton, following a memorial service in the church she was married in just 18 months before in Worthing.
Michelle was such a treasured Wife, Daughter and Sister. She is loved deeply and will be missed every day.