Kathleen Gilderdale, known as Kay, will appear in court next week accused of trying to kill 31-year-old Lynn Gilderdale, who she had nursed for 17 years as she struggled with the condition.

Mrs Gilderdale, 54, was arrested on December 4 after she informed Sussex Police her daughter was dead at their home in Lymden Close in Stonegate, near Heathfield.

She has been charged with attempting to murder Miss Gilderdale between December 2 and December 4.

Mrs Gilderdale has been released on bail and is due to appear at Brighton Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, April 21.

It was reported in the national press at the time of the arrest that Miss Gilderdale had died of a suspected overdose.

In an interview published in July 2006, Gilderdale described how her daughter's life was left "in limbo" due to the illness.

She said: "If someone dies, you mourn them, then you get to a stage where you know that person is gone and you move on.

"But Lynn is neither one nor the other.

"She is stuck in that room, not dead, but not alive properly."

In the wake of her death, relatives of Ms Gilderdale praised the young woman's "courage, which she showed to the end" in coping with her "life destroying" illness.

They said her death would "leave a massive void in their lives" and added "she unreservedly will be missed every minute of the day".

Their statement went on: "Lynn was young, beautiful, loving and caring.

"At the age of 14 years she was struck down by ME - an illness greatly misunderstood - and, as a result, suffered the stigma attached to this dreadful illness.

"She fought long and hard for 17 years with immense bravery, enduring constant pain and sickness. Every system of her body was affected.

"She required 24-hour care that was provided by her totally dedicated mother, with continuous support from Lynn's father."

Describing the debilitating effects the illness had on her body, the statement added: "Lynn suffered many hospital admissions, sometimes lasting several months, for life-threatening conditions.

"Prior to her illness, which left her paralysed, unable to speak, eat or drink and, until recently, no memory, she was an active healthy teenager full of life's dreams.

"She enjoyed sailing, swimming, cycling and was an accomplished musician."

Following the death, her family vowed to continue to campaign for a "better understanding" of ME.

Some 250,000 people are estimated to be affected by ME (Myalgic Encephalopathy) in Britain, according to The ME Association.

Common symptoms include severe and debilitating fatigue, painful muscles and joints, disordered sleep, gastric disturbances and poor memory and concentration.