THE devastated parents of a teenager who died in Malmesbury over the weekend are being comforted by the generosity of others after their JustGiving page, which was set up to support the Wiltshire Air Ambulance, has raised more than £17,000 in 24 hours.

Andy and Dawn Cubin of Crudwell, who have been left heartbroken by the sudden death of their 14-year-old daughter Hannah, said they are finding solace from the hundreds of messages and donations from around the world that have been made to the page set up in her memory.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance were on standby for the fourteen-year-old on Saturday and although their services were not required, Mr and Mrs Cubin said they hoped Hannah could build on a legacy that would help save lives in the future.

"I dropped her off for a sleepover and I got a call on Saturday night to say that Hannah was not breathing," Mrs Cubin explained.

"I asked the friend to ring paramedics, which she had and when I got there the friend's mother, who is heavily pregnant, was giving her CPR so I took over and my husband arrived minutes later."

Former Red Arrows pilot Mr Cubin added: "We tried to resuscitate her and then the paramedics came and they probably worked on her for an hour despite the fact she probably slipped away with us.

"We were also told the air ambulance were on standby and we wanted to acknowledge them and this is where the fundraising page came from.

"We set the target at £999 which we thought was reasonable and we beat that target in 15 minutes. It was astonishing. Donations were coming in every second and my wife and I just sat up watching it."

The fundraising page that was set up at 5pm on Monday, has since exceeded £17,000, which will keep the air ambulance flying for two days.

Tributes are also pouring in for the popular teenager, who had recently been awarded her black belt first dan.

"Hannah meant the world to us and our family," Mrs Cubin said.

"She was a popular young lady who was incredibly popular when she was a child. She was a very caring and kind individual. She was such a sparkling person and always gave her time to people she did not know.

"One of our neighbours sent us an email yesterday to say that when he and his wife moved into our road, the first person who knocked on their door was our little Hannah and she had a basket of plums with her - that was the sort of person she was.

"We have been so touched by all the messages and donations from far and wide from people who never met Hannah but have been touched by her story."

Malmesbury School, where Hannah was a well-loved member of Year 9, will also be donating the funds from their charity fundraiser on the last day of term to Hannah’s JustGiving page.

Tim Gilson, head teacher at Malmesbury School, said: "Hannah was a bright and very well liked student in Year 9 at Malmesbury School.

"Hannah’s many friends and teachers at Malmesbury School are mourning her tragic death.

"Hannah was doing really well at school and she had a really long list of house points for her positive attitude and behaviour. We will all remember her as a smiling, popular and cheerful young woman.

"We are all thinking of Hannah’s parents, family and friends at this desperately sad time.”

The Cubins, who said they were astonished when they checked the page this morning, hope that the money can help to save other lives in the future.

Claire Kelly, head of people, retail and supporter engagement at Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said: "All of us at Wiltshire Air Ambulance send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Hannah, who tragically lost her life unexpectedly on December 10.

"For any family, to lose a child is utterly devastating. We are truly grateful that at such a difficult time Hannah’s parents have chosen to raise donations for Wiltshire Air Ambulance in Hannah’s memory.

"The strength and kindness shown by Hannah’s parents by choosing to support our charity will help us be there for others when we are needed most, and we hope that this will bring them some comfort at such a sad time.

"The generosity of the community has been a true testament to how well loved Hannah was and the widespread grief that is being felt by the public of Wiltshire."

To donate to Hannah's page visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Hannah-Cubin.