A Christmas ball is being held to commemorate a late pupil and teacher at a school.

Aashi Sinha, a year 13 pupil at Forest School, Snaresbrook, died suddenly at the age of 18 on May 8 from heart failure.

Over £4,000 has now been raised since her death for charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (C-R-Y) and the school will hold a charity fundraising ball on December 14.

Money raised will also be donated to Cancer Research UK in memory of Tracey Alves, a teacher at the school who lost her battle with cancer in August 2012.

A representative of C-R-Y, Emma Jackson, who was diagnosed at 13 with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, will be speaking at the event, and a meal will be followed performances from the school’s big band and dance group, Fusion Girls.

Deputy school warden, Penny Goodman, said: “Aashi’s death has been mourned by the whole school community.

“She was highly regarded and loved by her peers, the teaching and school staff and by the wider community to which she made a significant contribution.

“Aashi loved life and loved her friends. She recognised that joy could come from small things and small events.

“Aashi was always positive, laughing and smiling. That huge happy beaming smile was one we all loved.”

Tickets for the event sold out within two days.