Mum to realise drowned daughter's 'dream'

Afaf Ahmed died in August when she was swimming with friends in the Netherlands

A woman who lost her daughter after she was swept out to sea in the Netherlands has said she wants to make her "dreams come true" by setting up a charity in her memory.

Afaf Ahmed died in August while swimming with friends off the Zuidelijk Havenhoofd, near The Hague.

The 18-year-old, from Coventry, was a talented singer and pianist who had studied at Pattison's College.

Her mother, Dr Hanan Abdelaziz, has set up the charity Afaf Above The Water in her memory, which will help public organisations in the Coventry area.

The teenager, who was part of a street dance performance for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in 2023, was last seen by her mother as she struggled in choppy water while on holiday.

Dr Abdelaziz said her daughter, who had been accepted to study medical science in Liverpool, was a "talented, clever girl".

"I had a devastating heartbreak and am still passing through very painful and heart-breaking grief," she said.

"She was a bright girl.

"As a mum, I would like to stand tall and make my daughter's dream come true in helping her community, be a role model for our youth's health, wellbeing, talent and achievements - for a healthier community in Coventry & Warwickshire and all of the UK".

Afaf Ahmed was on holiday with friends and her mum when she drowned

The charity is named Afaf Above The Water in tribute to the last moments that Ms Ahmed was seen alive by her mother.

It will be launched through an event, to the rear of Primark in Coventry city centre, being held on 14 and 15 December.

"Through all the pains and the tears , I have created a charity in my daughter's name," Dr Abdelaziz said.

"The last scene I'd seen was her floating on the water.

"We then lost her at the scene for two days.

"It means a lot for me, as above the water, for me, means above the struggle."