A NORTHWOOD school is holding a sponsored swim in memory of a popular pupil who died suddenly in a running competition.

The Gazette told how 14-year-old Shannon Powell, a student at Northwood College, collapsed at the Middlesex Cross Country Championships in Barnet, north London, on January 8 this year.

The teenager, of Northolt Village, was given emergency assistance at the track and rushed to hospital, but sadly could not be saved.

An inquest into her death was delayed for expert medical reports and a date for the hearing is yet to be confirmed.

Girls at the school, in Maxwell Road, will pay tribute to Shannon, described as 'an outstanding all-round athlete' and 'an exceptional swimmer', by swimming the distance of the English Channel, equating to 1,360 lengths.

Students in the lower school will complete the challenge next Monday (27), followed by pupils in form 10T, Shannon's former class, on Wednesday (29).

The event is being held to raise money for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), a charity chosen by the Powell family.

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

School teacher, Victoria Taylor, said: "Swimming was one of Shannon's many strengths and we felt there was no better way to support the charity close to her parents' hearts than to complete a swimathon.

"Everyone involved is doing their bit and swimming any distance they can.

"Every penny of the money we make will be going to help this charity, and all donations are gratefully received."

To support the students, visit

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Swim4shannon

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