THE GRIEVING aunt of a Hampshire teenager who died suddenly last month has told of the family's heartache - and her desire to pay tribute to her niece.

Former Peter Symonds student Rosie Carter died in her sleep in Tenby, Wales, while visiting the town to support her aunt, Hollie Cradduck, who was taking part in an Ironman event.

The former Henry Beaufort pupil had died in her sleep the night before the event.

Hollie said: “Twelve members of my family came to support me that weekend and we were all faced with this horrific tragedy. My family and I are still grieving.

“Rosie was more like a sister to me due to our closeness in age; I was only three when she was born and from a young age we became inseparable and the best of friends."

Hollie said she was thrilled to have competed the gruelling Ironman event but the joy quickly turned to despair when she learnt the tragic news about her 19-year-old niece.

She said: “With my euphoria came tragedy. Since crossing the line I discovered that my niece, Rosie died while in Tenby supporting me.

“My relief and pride was swept with grief."

Now Hollie, 22, is aiming to compete in the Hawaiian Ironman to raise cash for charity in tribute of her young relative.

“Following this I have made a new lifetime goal and promise to Rosie; I want to get to the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, in honour of Rose," said Hollie.

“With Rosie’s spirit, her constant pride in me and the support of my family, friends and followers I hope to make this dream possible.”

Rosie, who came from St Mary Bourne, near Andover, was studying Nottingham Trent University at the time of her death.

Hollie is raising money in memory of Rosie and anyone wishing to donate can do so at  justgiving.com/Hollie4Kona for the charity SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy).

Hollie’s training progress can be tracked at holliesroadtoironman.blogspot.co.uk.