STUDENTS have launched a fundraising campaign in memory of a classmate who died after her body rejected a heart transplant.

Pathways student at Darlington College of Technology Rachel Wakeford had to have a heart transplant in 2001 after contracting a viral infection when she was 14. Despite taking 22 pills a day for her new heart, her body rejected the organ and she died in February.

Her friends are now helping the British Heart Foundation and, as a course project, have been finding ways to raise money, including a college lottery.

Pathways is a full-time course for students not ready to embark on vocational studies. It enables students with few or no GCSEs to improve their qualifications while they decide which route they want to take.

Rachel had missed a lot of school because of her health problems but wanted to join the Business Administration Foundation course. Tutor Alison Prior said: "Rachel was an important member of Pathways and we were all very sad when she died.

"She is now our inspiration and the fundraising is also part of the course work so it will help charity and go towards everyone's qualifications."