STUDENTS and family have raised more than £1,000 in memory of a teenager who died after contracting a virus.

Louis Hackett was just 14 when he fell ill at his home in March and was taken to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford.

He was later transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, but died the next day with his family - mum Tracey Hackett, dad Mark Hackett and brother William Hackett - by his side.

Since then Louis’s school, Maltings Academy in Witham, has worked closely with the family on a fundraising drive for the hospital.

Mrs Hackett, 48, of Church Street, Witham, said: “Obviously Great Ormond Street Hospital is very close to our hearts from the care they gave Louis and our family but also we know there are lots of children in Witham and the surrounding area who are under their care for all sorts of medical issues.

“It’s really lovely to know that we’re supporting their great work.”

Louis was found to have developed diabetic ketoacidosis, a build-up of acid in his body which attacked his organs and led to heart failure, as a result of a virus.

The condition was recognised by Great Ormond Street Hospital where staff did everything they could to save Louis.

Mrs Hackett praised the hospital and its staff for their care and attention.

She said: “We actually raised over £1,200 through a bake sale we held at A T Autos in Coggeshall which is my brother-in-law’s garage and where my sister Karina and I work.

“Also at Slaughter and May Legal firm in London where my sister, Fiona, works.

“Thanks to the generosity of customers, staff and friends we raised a huge sum for Great Ormond Street Hospital during their Bake it Better campaign.

“Will, 11, is now at Maltings Academy in Year 7 and they held a non-uniform day not long ago which raised more than £700 for the appeal.”