GIRLS at Northwood College raised almost £2,000 for charity by taking part in a sponsored swimathon in memory of a former student.

As reported in the Gazette, Shannon Powell, a pupil at the school, in Maxwell Road, collapsed at the Middlesex Cross Country Championships in Barnet, north London, on January 8 this year.

The 14-year-old, of Northolt Village, described as an 'outstanding all-round athlete' and 'an exceptional swimmer', was given emergency assistance at the track, but sadly could not be saved.

An inquest into Shannon's death is due to be heard on December 8 and 9 this year.

Almost 80 students took part in the swimathon on June 27 and 29, completing an impressive 4,355 lengths in total – four times the distance of the English Channel. They raised £1,895 for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), a charity chosen by Shannon's family.

The organisation works to raise awareness of conditions which can lead to Young Sudden Cardiac Death (YSCD) and Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS).

School PE teacher, Victoria Taylor, who organised the swimathon, said: "Shannon was a very fun loving and popular girl, as well as being an extremely talented swimmer, so we thought it was quite fitting to host a swimathon in her honour. It was a great event and we are very proud of all the girls who got involved, particularly when swimming might not be their preferred sport."

The swimathon also had the backing of Shannon's parents. It is just one of a number of events held at the school in aid of CRY, including a cake sale. So far £3,350 in total has been raised for the charity.

Headmistress, Jacqualyn Pain added: "I am extremely proud of all our girls who have been raising funds in Shannon’s memory, in particular the swimathon, which was an amazing achievement, with some girls completing more than 100 lengths. Shannon's memory will always live on here at Northwood College and events like this just go to prove what a special and inspirational pupil she was."

To sponsor the students, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Swim4Shannon

For more information about CRY, visit www.c-r-y.org.uk