A charity walk aimed at raising more awareness about blood and organ donation takes place at Grafham Water on October 13.

The event has been organised by the family of Mollie Barton, from Hemingford Grey, who died from liver disease on April 29, 2015 at the age of 20. Mollie’s mum Monica, and sister Lauren set up the B Positive (B+) campaign in memory of Mollie and to promote the importance of organ and blood donation. Anyone wishing to take part in the 10-mile walk, should meet in the Marlow car park at Grafham Water at 10am.

Mollie, a former St Ivo School pupil, was born with a rare genetic disorder called Alagilles Syndrome which affects the heart and liver and she was not expected to survive past her first birthday.

At the age of two she underwent open-heart surgery to repair two holes in her heart and as she responded well to treatment, the transplant was no longer deemed necessary.

In the intervening years, Mollie, underwent monthly check-ups and managed to live a near-normal life.

But in December 2014, Mollie became unwell and in January, 2015 she was referred to the Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre, in Birmingham.

Mollie, who had the rare blood group B+, required numerous blood donations, which was keeping her alive until a liver could be found.

She was placed on the transplant waiting list, and although her family were aware of the statistics surrounding available organs, they believed a liver would become available.

But sadly, Mollie developed pneumonia and septicaemia before a liver became available.

“Her legacy of love and laughter live on in all those whose lives she touched,” said Monica.

“ As we approach what wouldl have been her 24th birthday on October 18, we are celebrating her short life with a 10-mile walk in her memory around Grafham Water to raise awareness for the desperate need for organ and blood donation and to have the conversation with your family.

“Mollie’s blood group was B positive so we also want to do something positive and raise funds for the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation. We have raised more than £20,000 in the last three years..

“During that same time, 46 children have died whilst on the transplant waiting list. We can change these statistics.”