A CHARITY walk in Colchester has raised almost £9,000 for Cancer Research UK.

After missing out on a place in the London Moonwalk, Nicky Withycombe decided to organise her own walking event.

She was joined by 136 people, who all completed the 13-mile Starlight Walk, starting and finishing at Lexden Woods Golf Club.

She said: “It was fantastic and I can’t believe how well it went.”

But the star of the evening was Kim Shrive, 43, from Dovercourt, who completed the course despite having had a brain haemorrhage and a stroke eight years ago.

Nicky said: “I’m so proud of her because I’d said to only do half of it, but she just wouldn’t give up.

“She set off with everyone else at about 8pm, but she walks very slowly and didn’t finish until 2.45am.

“I’d also like to thank Jill Cawthorpe who walked round the course with her.”

The response to the walk has been so good a date has already been booked for June 26 next year.

Anyone interested in taking part can call Nicky on 07754 127017 or e-mail nicky withycombe@hotmail.com