White Court Primary School raises £5.5k in memory of teacher

White Court Primary School, in Great Notley, took part in a colour run event to help fundraise for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

The fundraiser event was organised in memory of former teacher and mum-of-two Abby Hills, who died suddenly in July last year while out running.

Bright - pupils and parents were bathed in colour (Image: N/A)

Abby, who was only 30 when she collapsed just under half a mile from her home, left behind her two children and husband Lee.

A coroner later ruled she died from SADS - sudden arrhythmic death syndrome.

Love - Lee and one of his children (Image: N/A)

A spokesman for the school said: “It was a complete shock to us all as Abby was so fit and a regular runner.  

"She was a teacher at the school for her entire career and was loved by everyone staff and pupils.

Happy - the event was a great way to end the year (Image: N/A)

"Abby died the evening of our school open afternoon while out on a run and we all think back to that afternoon when we saw her last. 

"We were in complete shock when we found out the next day at lunchtime.

Smiles - pupils wore goggles after being soaked in powders (Image: N/A)

"Those were the hardest last weeks holding it together for the children in school which meant we couldn’t grieve properly at the point. 

“As it was so close to the end of term, we all had to carry on and prioritise supporting the children in school.

Colourful - the run raised more than £5k for CRY (Image: N/A)

“Abby’s funeral took place on the first day of term in September and until now we have not been ready to plan a way to celebrate her life as a whole school.

“As Abby was such a vibrant fun-loving person, we decided to hold a colour run for the whole school to take part in.”

Dust - the powdered colour being thrown over runners (Image: N/A)

Pupils enjoyed getting bathed in all colours of the rainbow while running around the school fields, raising more than £5,000 for CRY.

Focus - a youngster taking on the colour run (Image: N/A)

The spokesman added: “This event not only celebrated Abby's life but has also raised over £5,000 for Cardiac Risk in the Young, which is the charity her husband Lee chose after her death.

Sponsorship money is still coming in and to date we have raised £5,518.86.

Drenched - pupils were drowned in a multitude of colours (Image: N/A)

“The colour run was able to take place due to sponsorship from local companies which covered the cost of the powdered colour and donations of bunting and ice-pops for the children to enjoy after the run.

“We are extremely grateful to Prince Louis, the Hawthorns, G&B Finch, ITCA, DOA insurance, ACE accounts consultancy, Concrete Floorfix Ltd, JC Electricals, UK Tapes and Tescos. 

Running - pupils had a great time at the event (Image: N/A)

“It was the most perfect way to celebrate Abby's life together as a school and raising money for CRY.

"We now have a wonderful shared memory and have raised money for a charity who can hopefully prevent this from happening to someone else. 

“She would have loved every minute and would have been covered head to foot in every colour.”