TEENAGERS from a special school have raised hundreds of pounds in memory of a student who died.

Mukhtar Sharif, who went to Crosshill Special School in Blackburn, died on April 29 last year after suffering heart failure.

The 15-year-old had been admitted to Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester where he had open heart surgery but never recovered.

Year 11 students at the Haslingden Road school decided to forego a school trip and raise money in honour or Mukhtar, who would have been leaving school this year.

The team of 14 raised £712 through a trim trail challenge, completing laps of the field, a car wash, cake sale and raffle, which will be split between the British Heart Foundation and Wythenshawe Hospital.

The amount raised was revealed at the year 11 leaver’s assembly on Friday, which was attended by Mukhtar’s parents.

The popular teenager was described as a huge Manchester United fan by his mum Riukhasna, 38, and dad Muhammad, 44, Sharif.

Mrs Sharif, from Richmond Terrace, Darwen, said: “He would have loved today.

“He was always smiling and always helping people. He loved coming to school and never missed a day.”

She said it meant a lot for his friends to raise money with his best friend Naeem Abbas, 16, holding collections every day.

“I’m really thankful for what the school have done. They are also planning a cricket match in his memory.”

Naeem said: “Mukhtar was my best friend. We grew up together and lived on the same road.

“We would have banter and jokes everyday.”

Naeem, who will start at Blackburn College in September, said Mukhtar was also hoping to study mechanics there.

Year 11 teacher Safiya Balu said: “I am really proud of these year 11s.

“They have worked really hard especially with the fundraising.

“They decided they did not want to go on a school trip but wanted to raise money.

“Mukhtar was a really joyful boy. He was always happy and confident with a smile on his face.”