The grieving father of a 15-year-old Grey Court schoolgirl who died while on the Thames with Kingston Rowing Club has said the family have found “some consolation that she died doing something she loved”.

Hundreds of roses were released into the Thames during a vigil in memory of Rosie Mitchell, who “collapsed and feel unconscious” while rowing in the river on Saturday, September 17. She died in hospital later that day.

On Saturday about 500 friends, family and well-wishers gathered in Canbury Gardens - where Kingston Rowing Club is based – for a ‘Rosiefest’ honouring her life.

A rowing boat was unveiled engraved with Rosie's name.

Thursday, September 22: Tributes paid to 'wonderful' 15-year-old Grey Court schoolgirl Rosie Mitchell who died after collapsing at Kingston Rowing Club

Father Andrew Mitchell said: “[Rosie] had joined Kingston Rowing Club and quickly became a keen rower, enjoying the special bonds she formed with her crew members, keeping fit and healthy and the beautiful early mornings on the Thames with her friends.

“In rowing, Rosie had found a sport that she loved. It is some consolation that she died doing something she loved with friends she loved.”

Kingston-based charity Momentum has set up a fund in Rosie’s memory, with money donated to families who have suffered the “unimaginable heartbreak” of losing a child.

It has so far raised more than £12,000.

Momentum co-founder Bianca Effemey, who attended the event on Saturday, said: "It was an incredibly emotional but beautiful day, a day filled with laughter and tears and a fitting tribute to a beautiful young girl who clearly touched so many people’s lives.”

“We are so humbled by the generosity and kindness of the local community who are raising funds to help us continue supporting families like Rosie’s.”

Heart-breaking tributes were left by the side of the Thames at Canbury Gardens in the week after her death, with dozens of pupils from Grey Court School attending.

Posting on Facebook, the Richmond-based school said: “Rosie was a wonderful girl and a model student in every way. She will be sadly missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

“Our thoughts and wishes are with her family at this difficult time.”

To donate to Rosie’s fund visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com.