A mother who lost her 25-year-old daughter suddenly to an undetected heart condition is today backing a national campaign to raise awareness, after plans to introduce a chief coroner were shelved by government. 

Rebecca Phillips, of Bradfield Crescent, Hadleigh died in November lat year after collapsing at a party. 

The charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) is launching a campaign urging the government to rethink the decision not to appoint a chief coroner designed to provide leadership to the service, because of the cost. 

The plans will have a "serious effect" on people who are affected by the sudden death of a loved one, the charity claims. 

Julie Phillips and her family were fortunate that in the aftermath of their loss, they only had to wait three weeks for the results of the inquest. 

Both Rebecca's brothers, Lee and Nick, were quickly referred for screening to check if they had the same condition. 

Mrs Phillips said: "No-one can understand the pain and total devastation of losing a child or partner at a young age, suddenly and without warning.  Although the days and months that follow are often a blur, you still want answers and you want them fast. 

"Families - like us must be kept informed and consulted and their feelings, wishes and expectations must be listened to." 

Chief executive and founder of CRY, Alison Cox, said: "For the sake of bereaved families, we cannot allow the coroners' service to fall victim to the current spending cuts." 

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: "We are taking forward reforms to the coroners' service to ensure inquests are timely, efficient and effective and bereaved families are provided with the information and support they need. 

"We believe our proposals will create significant improvements to the coronial system without the expense of setting up a new post of chief coroner."