FAMILY and friends of the Worcestershire woman who drowned in New Zealand are ploughing all the energy into a foundation which will become her legacy.

Since Emily Jordan died riverboarding' while on a gap year trip, those who knew her have been trying to make sense of the accident.

Their grief is being channelled into the Emily Jordan Foundation, set up by her parents Chris and Sarah, sister Lucy and brother Alex.

The foundation has one clear aim which is hoped will prove a lasting legacy to the 21-year-old, who was a pupil at The Alice Ottley School in Worcester (now RGSAO) before graduating from Swansea University with a first-class law degree.

"We want to find an area, some land and some buildings, develop it and get it functional so young people with learning difficulties can do some work on the land with crops, produce local products, and also develop a workshop area," said Mr Jordan.

The cause was a topic very close to Miss Jordan's heart as her brother Alex has learning difficulties.

"Emily has always been quite involved with young adults with learning difficulties, there is so much they can do if they have the opportunity," said Mr Jordan.

Miss Jordan became trapped between rocks and drowned while taking part in a form of surfboarding in the Kawarau River Gorge, near Queenstown, on New Zealand's south island, on Tuesday, April 29.

Events are already being planned to raise money for the foundation, which is awaiting charitable status.

In September, Miss Jordan's peers from Swansea University and her family will take place in the 10km (6.2 mile) Swansea Run.

One friend has signed up for the Great North Run, and another is cycling from Milan to Bristol. A charity ball in Gloucester will donate money to the foundation and Wharton Park golf club, Bewdley, has pledged its support.

Chris Gibbs was a close friend of Miss Jordan's and is planning to cycle from the Jordan family home in Trimpley, near Bewdley, to Salou in Spain.

The two went on a lacrosse tour to the area in 2006 and Miss Jordan loved the spot.

Mr Gibb is looking for support in getting a mountain bike and equipment for the 1,000-mile trip. If anyone is interested in donating equipment, they can e-mail him at c.c.gibbs@hotmail.co.uk.

Miss Jordan's family has set up a Facebook group called the Emily Jordan Foundation for friends to exchange fund-raising ideas.

The charity will also have a website, www.theemilyjordan foundation.org.uk, with more information.