A CHILDREN’S sponsored walk in memory of a teaching assistant who died of cancer earlier this year has raised almost �1000 for charity.

Pupils at Finchingfield’s Church of England primary school presented the large cheque to staff at Farleigh Hospice last week after they took on a two-mile or four-mile challenge.

The walk was in memory of much-loved teaching assistant Jean Bradley who died in March, at the age of 57, after being with the school for 14 years.

Headteacher Paula Hagan said: “This is a fantastic result for a small school. Mrs Bradley was loved and respected in equal measure by staff, pupils and parents alike.

“We felt that helping an organisation which provides such a great amount of support for people with cancer and their families, was the most appropriate way of remembering her.”

The walk was carried out by pupils and staff at Great Notley Country Park near Braintree in July.

Children aged between five and seven walked a distance of two miles, and those aged between eight and 11 walked four miles.

A cheque of �866.20 was accepted by Farleigh Hospice community fundraising manager Christine Hogben who thanked the children for their effort.