THE latest fundraising event in memory of Thurrock woman Vikki Cordina, who lost a brief battle with meningitis in August 2017, has been hailed a huge success.

In memory and tribute to her sister, who died aged 43, Zoe Thomas has organised a canoe and kayak  paddle each year on the Medway in Kent – one of the siblings' favourite places.

The fundraising fun was curtailed by the covid pandemic but returned last month and once more attracted a large number or friends and family, while others contributed via a JustGiving page.

Zoe reports: "The remaining sponsorship has now been paid in and we are pleased to announce that the final total raised was £1,858 plus £344.50 Gift Aid which is an amazing £2,202.50 for the Meningitis Research Foundation.

"We can't thank everyone enough for paddling, supporting and donating for this amazing cause in memory of Vikki."

The paddles began in 2018, a year after Vikki's death after she was struck down by meningitis. You can read about what happened to her, in Zoe's own words, via this link to the first fundraising event - which raised more than £10,000.