The family and friends of an 11-year-old girl who died suddenly last year have come together to mark what would have been her 12th birthday.
Elizabeth Ransom, a pupil at St Vincent De Paul Catholic Primary School in Stevenage, collapsed unexpectedly while out playing with her friends during the summer.
A few weeks later, in August, she collapsed again while on holiday with her family and died.
Elizabeth’s family and friends have since been raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital in her memory.
Last week would have been her 12th birthday and Elizabeth’s mum, Kellie, said: “We wanted to do a challenge to remember her on her birthday, and raise money for our chosen charity, so we decided to walk the 32 miles from Stevenage to GOSH in London.
“Forty people took part, including three of Elizabeth’s 11-year-old friends - two of whom completed the whole 32 miles, which is absolutely amazing.
“It was an incredibly difficult walk, both physically and emotionally, but we arrived at GOSH 13 hours and 45 minutes after we set off.
“We have been overwhelmed by friends and family and their support and generosity in donating money, memories and photos to our website.
“We had a dream hope of getting our overall total to £10,000, and so far we’ve raised £9,000 from the walk alone, giving us a running total of just over £14,000.”
On Saturday, Elizabeth’s school remembered their much-loved pupil by planting a rose in their sensory garden and holding a balloon release on the football pitch.
Headteacher Peter Keane said: “Elizabeth was very popular and known throughout the school for her generosity of spirit. She always had a kind word to say about other children.
“She was very gentle, but when it came to sport she was fiercely competitive.
“She lived life to the full, was a big character, and got involved in everything.
“After I arrived, she was one of the first pupils to receive the Headteacher’s Award for her contribution to the school.
“She is sorely missed and has been a good role model for other children.
“People have come together and her memory lives on in a very positive way.”
To make a donation to GOSH in memory of Elizabeth, visit www.lilibet.muchloved.com
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