Ethan Chant's funeral helps raise charity funds

The family of a Shropshire teenager who drowned off the Spanish coast despite efforts by his brother to save him have handed out money raised from his funeral to different causes.

Ethan Chant, 18, from Weston-under-Redcastle, near Wem died on May 15 despite his older brother's efforts to save him when he got into difficulties.

He had been swimming off the Playa de la Bota beach at Punta Umbria, near Huelva, Andalusia.

More than £1,000 was raised from his funeral on May 31, which was attended by hundreds of mourners.

And today his mum, Fiona, said the family decided to give £650 to the Wem branch of the Royal British Legion and a further £650 to a trust which gives support to young climbers.

The former Thomas Adams School and Shrewsbury College of Arts and Technology student was an Army cadet and a keen climber.

He had gone on several excursions up Try-on in Wales in the past and it was one of his favourite mountains.

Fiona Chant wished to thank everyone who helped raise the £1,300 which she said was going to support good causes.

She said: "People have been really supportive and I want to thank everyone who helped raise the money which will go to very worthwhile causes.

"He loved being in the cadets and climbing was his favourite sport."

At the funeral Ethan's friends packed the church and churchyard with his fellow cadets forming a guard of honour as his coffin passed.

Following his death tributes flooded in from friends and family who described him as a "wonderful" and "popular lad".

His father Shaun said Ethan had touched so many lives and described him as "beautiful, warm and intelligent."

Ethan's brother James said he was always there for him and he loved life.

Neil Hemming, headteacher at Thomas Adams School, which Ethan attended until the age of 16, said he would be fondly remembered as a very popular member of the school community who was well respected.

His friends also set up a tribute page on Facebook.