A group of fundraisers walked, cycled and drank coffee to raise more than £4,000 for the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation in memory of former St Ivo School pupil Mollie Barton.

Mollie, whose family live in Hemingford Grey, lost her courageous fight for life on April 29, 2015 after her liver failed and she became too ill to be considered for a transplant.

She was born with a rare genetic disorder called Alagilles Syndrome which affects the heart and liver and was not expected to survive past her first birthday. She underwent open heart surgery just before her second birthday and went on to lead a relatively normal life, apart from daily medication and numerous hospital appointments and admissions.

“Mollie never wanted to be treated any differently to her peers, so much so that there were many who never knew the real depth of her struggles right up to the very end of her life,” said her mum Monica.

“She had a laugh that was infectious and she is so lovingly remembered as the kindest soul who always had a smile on her face and always had time for others.”

Monica, and Mollie’s sister Lauren, launched an awareness campaign called B Positive (B+) to promote the importance of organ and blood donation.

On July 29, staff from the fracture clinic at Hinchingbrooke Hospital, where Monica is a nurse, took part in a 10-mile Mollie’s Walk around Grafham Water.

The Fracture Clinic team, joined by family and friends, wore specially designed purple t-shirts and raised in excess of £3,000.

“The Fracture Clinic staff would like to thank all those who supported them to help raise funds for such a worthwhile cause, a cause very close to their hearts, and hope to also raise awareness for the urgent need for blood and organ donation, as Mollie passed away whilst waiting for a liver transplant,” said Monica.

“They appreciate there are so many other worthwhile causes to donate to and they greatly appreciate those who took tome to donate online, via sponsor form or the collection bucket, as every penny counted and helped them go way beyond their target.

“The day was such a great success they hope to make it an annual event and open it up to anyone who would like to join them next year, an even bigger fun day out, as that would be what Mollie would want, people having fun whilst helping others. Mollie was with us all the way as the sun shone from start to finish despite a forecast of rain. We all had such a great day whilst raising funds for such a great cause, a really amazing team effort in Mollie’s memory. We are so sensitive to the fact that someone has to loose their battle of life in order for organs to be made available, but our goal is to have an opt-out clause in this country for organ donation in line with Northern Ireland, Wales and other European countries.”

On July 14, staff at The Cock Pub, in Hemingford Grey, held a coffee morning and managed to raise £530 in just two hours and Carl Butler, from St Ives, completed a 100-mile cycle ride and raised £800 for the CLDF.