Children at a Wearside school are learning to save lives, as a tribute to a former pupil who died suddenly in his sleep. 

The youngsters at Usworth Colliery Primary School, Washington, are also raising money for the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), which wants the Government to introduce a heart screening programme for children and teenagers. 

Jimmy Wilson used to be a pupil at the school and his family and friends have raised thousands of pounds to tackle the rare heart condition which is believed to have claimed his life at the age of 24. 

The school children are learning resuscitation techniques from teachers Kerrie Hood and Carolyn Nicol, and pictures have been put up on the wall of Jimmy and young victims of cardiac problems. 

Head teacher Carole Maughan said: “They are really enthusiastic and they are taking it really seriously.  They could save a life."

Jimmy’s mother, Ann, 51, now has two grandchildren at Usworth Colliery, Jamie, eight and Bethany, four.  She decided to go into school and train as a teaching assistant after Jimmy’s death. 

“They decided to do the resuscitation and raise money for CRY in memory of Jimmy.  I’m very pleased, not just about the money but that it is raising awareness,” she said.  “Before Jimmy’s death nobody around here knew anything about it.” 

Jimmy died at home in Sulgrave, Washington, on January 2 last year, despite his family’s desperate attempts to revive him.  Family, friends and neighbours have been raising funds and awareness for CRY. 

So far they have raised £4,500 through activities, including a sponsored walk and a social night at a local club. 

The family are organising a sponsored walk from Roker to South Shields in August to raise funds for CRY.