A memorial service has been held in honour of a Durham University student who died following a cardiac arrest while on holiday in France.

Rhea Hourigan, 19, who was in the first year of a Business and Management degree, collapsed in the shower while visiting her aunt in Paris.

Paramedics were called but she died in the early hours on the April 29.

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Almost £32,000 has been raised by well-wishers to help Rhea’s family, who are from Birmingham, with costs.

They were in the region last week to collect her belongings and meet her friends at Van Mildert College.

Writing on the Go Fund Me page Rhea’s mother, Joanne, said: “We have had an emotional couple of days up in Durham University clearing Rhea’s room and attending the memorial service in her honour, this was very bittersweet.

“The service was beautiful and we got to meet all her wonderful friends and colleagues who attended the service.

“We were very much welcomed and looked after by Principal Tom Mole and his fellow colleagues along with Rebecca, the university chaplain.”

The college has also opened a Book of Condolence for Rhea, which is available in Van Mildert reception from 8am to 8pm.

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They are also planning to hold a short act of remembrance following the end of exams.

According to Palatinate, Durham University’s student newspaper Tom Mole, the Principal of Van Mildert College, said: “Rhea was a popular and active member of our community, with many friends in college.

“She was working hard towards her degree and was full of plans for the summer and beyond. Her death has come as a great shock to us all.

“I have spoken to Rhea's parents and offered our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends at this distressing time.

“They will be receiving our full support. I have also spoken with a number of Rhea's close friends in college to offer the support they need.”

The family has said it is raising money for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

The online fundraiser started by family friend Dawn Buchanan has had over 1,000 donations.

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She wrote: “It is with a heavy heart I am setting up this fundraiser for a beautiful young lady Rhea Hourigan who was tragically taken from this world on Saturday April 29 leaving her doting parents Jo and Dom, brother Joel and grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends totally and utterly devastated.

“Their friends and family wanted to reach out and help as much as they can to ease the financial burden a little with any costs they will be incurring during this devasting time and the coming weeks and months.

“I totally understand times are tough for everyone at the moment but anything at all you may be able to spare to help this very special family in their time of need would be so much appreciated.”

To support the fundraiser click here