A 19-year-old kids swimming teacher described as a "kind and caring" girl and a "model employee" has died after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Mia Jennings helped hundreds of children learn to swim at her local pool at Macclesfield Leisure Centre, in the Cheshire town.
A spokesperson for Everybody Health and Leisure - which runs the Leisure Centre - said: “We are sharing with great sadness that our dear colleague Mia Jennings passed away this weekend after suffering a cardiac arrest.
“Mia was just 19 years old - a model employee and star apprentice in our HR Team and swimming teacher to hundreds of children at Macclesfield Leisure Centre.
“Those who knew Mia best are understandably shocked and devastated at this time.
“Our thoughts are with her parents, James and Louise, her younger brother and sister and all their family, along with her boyfriend Andrew.”
The spokesperson added: “Mia showed great dedication and commitment at work - excelling in all that she did.
“She was hugely respected by colleagues, customers and the children she so passionately taught each week.
“A rising star, she received special recognition as an outstanding apprentice at the North East Cheshire Chamber Business Awards and the South Cheshire Chamber Awards and recently achieved her level 3 CIPD certificate.
“Most importantly, Mia was a kind and caring person who always wanted to give her best and help others. Her beautiful smile lit up every room she was in, and she made a positive impression on everyone she met.
“A book of condolence will be open in the foyer of Macclesfield Leisure Centre from lunchtime on Wednesday - for customers and visitors to pay tribute, share memories and messages.”
A JustGiving page set up to raise £5,000 in her memory has already received more than £6,600 in donations.
It reads: “We are fundraising to honour our beautiful friend Mia who unfortunately passed away this weekend suffering a cardiac arrest.
“Mia was 19 years old and the most kind and caring girl we have had the pleasure of knowing, although our time together was short there will never be a moment that was taken for granted.
“Our love goes to her family and loved ones during this devastating time.
“There are no words to describe how heartbreaking this has been, hopefully through the help of everyone we can fundraise to continue Mia’s legacy and bring this charity to light so research can be funded, information can be provided and medical equipment can be bought.
“Please donate if you are able to and share if this cannot be done.
“We will be doing a fundraising event in the near future too, raising money for this charity and doing something everyone can take part in and share their wonderful memories of Mia with people who knew her best.”
