A WIDNES-BASED interior design consultancy has raised more than £9,000 for the Sudden Arrthythmia Death Syndromes Foundation in memory of former employee Colin Hankin.

Colin worked as an apprentice in the accounts department at Claremont Group Interiors when he died in his sleep two days after his 18th birthday.

Ann Malone, Claremont associate director, said: 'Colin was a nice lad who everyone got on with. His death was a shock for us all.

'Although the office has over 75 staff, it is still run like a family office and everyone is close.

'We all wanted to keep Colin's memory alive and after discussions with his mother, Angela, we began raising money to provide GPs with heart monitors which will enable them to screen young people for heart conditions.'

Through fundraising activity which ranged from an employee selling off personal paintings, marathon sponsorship and tennis coaching, more than £4,000 was raised.

Claremont chief executive Mike Gardner matched what the employees raised to give a total of £9,000.

Angela Morris said: 'I still haven't come down to earth yet. I was over-whelmed at the generosity.'

At the time of Colin's death, the firm's associate directors decided to set up the 'Colin Hankin Award', given to a new member of staff for the hard work and personal attributes they bring to the company.

This year, Gillian Millar from Widnes has been awarded the prize.

Ms Malone said: 'Gill is always helpful, calm, caring and brings a sense of humour to stressful situations.'

holly.breslin@cheshirenews.co.uk