Tomorrow would have been the 19th birthday of Safiya Stewart who died tragically at home after an epileptic fit.

And fittingly, her heartbroken mother Carol Stewart has chosen the day to launch an award for young people who make a difference.

Safiya was an active member of the Medway African Caribbean Association of which her mother is chairman. She also founded Young People United (YPU), which recognises those who celebrate cultural diversity across the Towns.

Mrs Stewart found Safiya unconscious at the family home on St Mary’s Island in May this year.

She said: "This is going to be a very difficult day for us as a family, but we wanted to mark it in a special way by ensuring that her legacy continued. I wish she was here to celebrate with us. Not a day goes by when she’s not in our mind.

"But this way we can keep her memory alive and recognise the achievements of other young people. I was touched by the idea from her friends for the inspirational award because they felt Safiya was an inspiration to so many people."

The YPU Inspirational Young Person Award will go to a young person who has been most inspirational to the life of another young person. Nominations must come from young people, aged between five and 25, and will be judged by members of YPU.

At the same time, a Battle of the Chefs competition is being launched at the college for hospitality and catering students.

The contest will take part in November and is being supported by MidKent College Medway businesses.

Safiya was a young woman who had her life path mapped out already and was determined not to let her epilepsy condition stop her succeeding.

She was passionate about cooking and dreamt of opening her own restaurant.

Andrea Ashman, human resources director at the college, said: "Safiya was a delightful student and her boundless energy and personality enabled her to have a very positive unfluence on her fellow students and friends.

"She made a great contribution to the diversity within the college and this event is designed to celebrate and promote something in which she truly believed. We are proud that she was part of our college and pleased to honour her memory."

For more information contact Mrs Stewart on carol@chinaraenterprises.com