Cudmore Grove Mersea to Stanway fundraiser raises £1,450

Freya Russell, 15, set off from Cudmore Grove in East Mersea and walked a 13-mile route to Stanway’s Lakeland Centre.

The admirable effort took the Year 11 pupil at Philip Morant four hours and 15 minutes to complete earlier this month.

She was inspired to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society after a close relative was diagnosed with vascular dementia.

Celebration - Freya was met with banners and balloons upon her arrival in Stanway (Image: Newsquest)

Half-marathon - Freya walked 13 miles from East Mersea to Stanway (Image: Newsquest)

All in all, the half-marathon effort has raised £1,450 so far for the charity.

Freya’s dad Stuart said: “She researched the condition and decided to raise money for the charity. I was very proud when she told me and still am.”

The teenager was just on the walk by different loved ones at two mile increments as she made her way towards Stanway.

Upon arrival, Freya was greeted by balloons and banners from proud members of her family and friends.

“She was elated, we had a lot of our family there,” added Stuart.

“Freya usually complains about walking to the fridge to get something so to do this off her own back was great. We’re all really proud of her.”

To support Freya’s fundraiser, visit: bit.ly/3PNqogx.