A memorial service will be held today to mark the first anniversary of Safiya Stewart’s death.

The 18-year-old was found unconscious at her home on St Mary’s Island on May 23 last year.

Her mum, Carol, went into her room to wake her, but found her unresponsive. Safiya had epilepsy and it is thought a seizure may have led to her death.

A memorial service and tree-planting ceremony will be held at MidKent College’s Gillingham site, today, at noon followed by a reception at Porters Bar, Chatham Maritime.

Safiya set up a group called Young People United as a branch of the Medway African Caribbean Association and the Urban Steps dance group.

She was also involved with the regular Love Music Hate Racism events.

Safiya was given a posthumous award at this year’s Pride in Medway gala night.