A RETIRED teacher who never forgot a pupil who died after an asthma attack is to cycle the length of England in her memory.

Carole Jones, a 57-year-old grandmother of six boys, will cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise money for an asthma charity.

She is taking on the challenge in the name of her former pupil, Sarah Harrison, of Middlesbrough, who died aged 14 in 2005.

Mrs Jones, who taught textiles to the teenager, has kept in touch with Sarah’s friends, Rachel Lister, Natalie Jones, Katie Pennock and Shauni Reid.

The friends are organising a big fundraising event night – and their former teacher will contribute to their efforts for Asthma UK.

Mrs Jones, of Yarm, near Stockton, who taught at the Unity City Academy, remembers Sarah as a “lovely little girl” and has kept a photograph of Sarah working in her class.

She said: “She was a very popular young lady. That said, I joke that if Sarah and her friends had done as much class work as they did talking they would have all got an A*.”

Sarah had suffered from asthma attacks from being a baby, but doctors said her condition was improving.

She enjoyed an active life, including swimming and gymnastics.

She had returned from a hair salon to her home in Pallister Park, Middlesbrough, when she had the attack.

An ambulance took her to The James Cook University Hospital, where she was revived.

She was transferred Newcastle General Hospital under police escort, but was declared dead there. She left her mother, Karen, father, Chris and older brother, Ashly.

Mrs Jones will set off for Land’s End by train from Darlington on Sunday and hopes to complete the cycle ride in 20 days. She will be on her own and unaided.

So far, she has raised £165 and the public can donate by logging on to justgiving.

com.Carole-Jones3 Sarah’s friends, who have all recently finished university but kept in touch, will hold a fundraising night at their old school on July 12.

Tickets cost £5 and there will be a charity auction with the chance to win special experience days, a pie and peas supper and local bands. Call 01642-384500 for tickets.