A YOUNG woman who was killed in a snowboarding accident has inspired a Wickford designer to start a charity swap to raise money in her memory.
Boarding fan Sean Farmiloe, 25, of Goodmayes Walk, Wickford, launched his own boarding clothing company, Frontside Backside, in October last year.
He heard of Emily Watts' death on December 13 and decided he wanted to contribute to the charity that was subsequently formed by her family.
Miss Watts, known as Mimi, from Lavenham in Suffolk, fell into a snowdrift in Chamonix in the French Alps and died after becoming trapped for 45 minutes.
Miss Watts, 26, was a budding designer and was due to start a master's degree course in design.
Mr Farmiloe told the Gazette: "Emily's story really hit home because she came from a similar vein.
"I really wanted to do something to help and decided that the swap would be a good way to raise money for the charity created in her honour."
The swap began on January 21 when Mr Farmiloe offered one of his snowboarding T-shirts to all-comers.
He swapped the garment in return for an iPod docking station, which will now be swapped for an item of higher value.
This process will continue for six months, following which the final item will be sold and the money raised given to Miss Watts' charity Good Story.
The charity was founded by Miss Watts' brother, Rory, who wanted to do something to help young creative people looking to start their own businesses.
Good Story offers financial support and advice to those who have the skills and imagination to realise their dreams but who may lack the financial or technical knowledge.
Mr Watts, 27, a graphic designer from London, said: "My sister was on the brink of setting up her own clothing line when she died.
"I know there are a lot of young people out there in a similar situation to Mimi who have the talent but may lack the resources and the charity aims to help them unlock their potential.
"Good Story aims to turn their ideas into a business."
The charity currently helps three candidates, who receive help from 40 mentors from all walks of life, ranging from tattoo artists to bankers.
Mr Watts said: "We launched Good Story on December 16 and wanted to strike while the iron was hot.
"The family wanted something positive to focus on and give a positive spin to the situation.
"Myself, my mother, stepfather, stepbrother and friends are all trustees.
"Our mentors come from all over the country – we're based at my mum's house in Suffolk and I'm based in London.
"The candidates have a weekly call from their mentor as well as a monthly face-to-face meeting.
"We are in the process of organising funding for candidates as well."
Since the charity formed two months ago they have raised £14,000 and are in the process of setting up a system for direct debits, as currently donors can only make one-off payments.
Speaking of his sister, Mr Watts said: "Her designs were really great, she was a really keen snow boarder and wanted to design something different for women snow boarders – different from the usual flowery pink designs.
"Sean has been great, he heard us and contacted me saying whatever I can do to help let me know, and the swapping idea came from there."
For more information about the swap or to take part contact sean@frontsidebackside.com or visit www.facebook.com/Frontsidebackside
