THE mother of a York woman who drowned has launched a fund to help other bereaved families and raise awareness of water safety.

The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS UK), is setting up its new Tribute Funds service this month and the first fund has been created by Jackie Roberts in memory of her daughter, Megan, who drowned three years ago in the River Ouse, York.

The Megan Roberts’ Tribute Fund launched on Monday, the anniversary of her death, and coincided with several events being held in her memory in York.

Ms Roberts said: “Setting up a tribute fund in memory of Megan was something I had wanted to do for a long time so I was really pleased when RLSS UK suggested offering this to bereaved families.”

She added: “I personally am finding it another way of helping me learn to live with the pain of loss.” Funds raised will support RLSS UK’s work.