The family of a 20-year-old woman from Colchester who died after taking a substance she believed was the party drug MDMA have released a heartbreaking video warning against the dangers of drugs.

Amy Vigus died on Monday at Colchester Hospital’s intensive care unit having travelled up to London for the weekend’s Elrow Town music event.

It was there she took what she thought was MDMA, also known as ecstasy.

Her family have today published a video on Facebook, called ‘Our Amy’, telling her story with the aim of making people think twice before taking drugs.

The video has already been viewed more than 1 million times.

A fundraising campaign has also been set up to raise money for the Colchester Hospitals Charity, which has raised more than £3,100 already.

The video’s voiceover, believed to be Miss Vigus’ cousin, says: “In a moment of madness she took an unknown substance she was led to believe was the party drug MDMA.

“She continued to socialise and smile then she began to pay for her mistake.

“Amy’s body rejected whatever unknown substance she had taken.

“This led to her being violently sick and fitting multiple times.

“Our Amy managed to make it home where she collapsed one more time.

“Her parents were left with no other option but to perform CPR on their own daughter in their own home.

“Amy was taken to Colchester General Hospital and immediately escorted to resuscitation.

“Amy was very, very unwell.

“She was taken to the intensive care unit.

“Amy was very, very unwell.

“Our Amy fell into a coma.

“She lay there, hair in, eyelashes on, glitter in her hair but no smile on her face.

“She lay there motionless still and seemingly peaceful.

“The corridors of Colchester General Hospital echoed with the cries and screams of her family members.”

He adds: “The next time you are in that moment please stop and think about our Amy.”

To donate to the Colchester Hospital Charity fundraising campaign see here.