A student from Kingston University is raising money for a cystic fibrosis charity in memory of her best friend.

English student Elle Waddington, 19, will be taking part in the Great North Swim next month in memory of friend Helen Hawcroft who died from the disease last year.

Elle said: “Helen was a very talented scholar, gaining A*s in all of her A-levels.

“She spent a month or so at Durham University when she became very sick and had to come home.”

The pair agreed in the summer of last year that Elle would begin fundraising for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust to help develop new medicines and improve Helen’s chance of a longer life.

But sadly, Helen died in December at the age of 18.

Since then, her best friend has kept her promise and will be doing the Great North Swim in her honour on June 14.

She said: “Helen always stayed positive and said ‘maybe next time’ in the hope there would be a new medicine for her.

“Let’s find that new medicine and fundraise so this can become a reality.”

Elle is hoping to raise £500 and is asking for donations towards the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Leeds Hospital Charitable Fund, where Helen was cared for.

Visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/travelles to sponsor her.