HUNDREDS of people turned out for a charity event and also to celebrate what would have been the 18th birthday of a popular schoolboy who died of leukaemia two years ago. The Forget Me Not Walk for Leukaemia Research, in memory of Priory School pupil Joe

HUNDREDS of people turned out for a charity event and also to celebrate what would have been the 18th birthday of a popular schoolboy who died of leukaemia two years ago.

The Forget Me Not Walk for Leukaemia Research, in memory of Priory School pupil Joe Males, of Old Hale Way, Hitchin, attracted over 400 people for the mass start at Strathmore Infant and Nursery School, Hitchin, in glorious sunshine on Sunday morning.

The walk took supporters of Joe's parents, Dave and Sue, who organised the event, on a five kilometre stroll through Hitchin, and back to the school for raffles and refreshments.

It has been estimated that the event raised over �4,000.

Among the walkers were Joe's twin sister Jess and his younger sister Ellie, along with some family friends who donned fancy dress.

Comet reporter Bob Bryant and his family also completed the walk, pushing son Robert in a wheelchair. He was diagnosed with leukaemia at the same time as Joe but could not walk because he is recovering from an operation on both feet.

"I felt it was important to be there to support Joe's parents, after all I know what they have been through with Joe suffering leukaemia and then dying after such a brave fight," said Robert, who is now in remission.

After the event, Joe's mother said: "We have been overwhelmed by the support. The turnout was fantastic and The Comet has helped by running a story about the event.

"I prayed to Joe this morning asking him to give us good weather and the sun shone all morning when a few days ago we feared it might rain.

"It is a sad day because Joe would have been 18 today but we have been able to celebrate his life and raise money for a very good cause, with a lot of wonderful people.