A woman will make her first appearance in court today charged with the attempted murder of her seriously-ill daughter who suffered from ME.

Kathleen Gilderdale, known as Kay, was arrested at her home in Stonegate, near Heathfield, following the death last December 4 of her daughter Lynn, 31, who was struck down with ME at the age of 14.

Gilderdale was released on police bail after being charged by officers from Sussex Police last Thursday and will appear at Brighton Magistrates' Court from 10am today.

Her family said Lynn, who was left paralysed, showed “immense bravery” during her 17-year battle against ME, enduring constant pain and requiring 24-hour care.

In a statement after Gilderdale was charged, her family said she retained their “unconditional support”.