RESIDENTS in Thurrock have rallied to the aid of the family of a 14-year-old girl who died after collapsing in a PE lesson at a Thurrock school.

The tragic unfolding of events was reported on Thurrock Nub News where the death of Kayla Ere has prompted a huge wave of public sympathy.

Now a fundraising page has been set up to assist 14-year-old Kayla's mum and family in the wake of the tragedy.

Already it has raised more than £7,000.

The fundraising page has been started by Anita Singh of the Grays Lightship Cafe, whose daughter also attends Gateway Academy where Kayla collapsed on Thursday. It says: "On 2nd March 2023 - a single mother, a family, a group of friends and our Thurrock Community lost a young girl to heaven. No previous medical conditions - suddenly she passed due to a cardiac arrest.

"Words cannot describe this tragedy!

"The mother left behind - has lost her world. She requires financial support. We would like to come together as a community to raise funds for the funeral of Kayla Ere. This Angel of God deserves a great send off."

The fundraising page can be found via this link.