A CHARITY set up in memory of a talented student killed in a crushing incident outside a nightclub is urging young people to apply for support.

A series of successful fund raising events means Olivia Inspires has thousands of pounds to give to those suffering financial hardship who wish to develop their potential in STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects, sport and the arts.

Olivia was just 20-years-old and a first year student at Durham University when she died outside a club in the city in February 2018.

She was a former head girl at Bournemouth School for Girls and also sailed for Great Britain. Olivia lived in Milford-on-Sea.

Since her death, Olivia's parents, Nigel and Paula, have established Olivia Inspires.

JazzSmart, a group of musicians based at New Milton’s Forest Arts had a collection for the charity after their Christmas Big Band concert.

Milford on Sea’s Flute Group made Olivia Inspires their charity of the year and collected donations at their Christmas Concert at Milford Community Centre.

Money was also raised through a concert at St Mary’s Church, Everton, busking in Angel Court, Lymington and playing for Lymington Voluntary Care Group at South Lawn Hotel, Milford.

Milford on Sea Rainbows, Brownies and Guides ran Santa’s Grotto in the village during Carols Around the Christmas Tree. Santa was kept extremely busy and all of the profits were donated to Olivia Inspires.

Mr Burt said: “A steady stream of applications for support has been received via the Olivia Inspires website and the first grants have been awarded to a variety of richly deserving young people. We now want to see many more applicants from young people who need a helping hand to achieve their dreams.”

Olivia's family said she is remembered for her smile, her kindness and the way in which she inspired others.

"Olivia Inspires aims to allow her spirit to live on by helping young people aged 11 to 18 years, whose families live in the New Forest District Council area and who are facing financial hardship. Grants will be provided to help them develop their potential in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), the arts and sport."

To find out more, apply for support or donate to the charity go to oliviainspires.org.uk, follow Olivia Inspires on Facebook @oliviainspires or Twitter @olivia_inspires.