THE Grange School community has come together to celebrate the life of a former pupil.

John Nesbitt, 18, left the school with outstanding A Level results last summer but tragically died on August 30.

Keen cricketer John, set for Birmingham University, died suddenly in his sleep when heart stopped beating as a result of an arrhythmia, caused by myocarditis.

Northwich Guardian:

Almost a year on, friends, family, parents and teachers at The Grange School in Hartford held a touching memorial event to remember John's positive impact and raise money for heart disease research.

In glorious sunshine, a football match took place at the Grange's Pavilion sports field, followed by a barbecue and summer games before a gala dinner at the Portal Golf Club, Tarporley.

READ >>> Tributes pour in for John Nesbitt, 18

John’s parents, Sheila and Derek, played a key role in the event and are also raising money to help prevent similar incidents to that which took John's life.

They have been raising money for Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital's Inherited Cardiac Conditions & Heart Muscle Disease Service, which is undertaking research into early identification of markers of risk in the sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS).

Northwich Guardian:

The memorial event provided an opportunity to help raise money and the Just Giving page now stands at over £14,000.

Shelia and Derek said: “The cardiac team at the Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital have really helped us to understand John's death and this research is paramount in helping to prevent tragic young deaths for other families.

"John lived in the moment and enjoyed every day. He had a contagious smile and the ability to brighten everyone’s life. This is for John.”