Town centre events celebrate the life of Anthonia

By Neil Speight

4th Sep 2021 | Local News

CELEBRATION will be the order of the day on Saturday and Sunday this weekend as members of a local charitable foundation raise awareness in Grays.

On Saturday (4 September) the Anthonia Oyindamola Folakemi Afelumo Coshare (AOFAC) Foundation will host its annual 5k walk, jog and run which will start at the Grays Baptist Church on Orsett Road at 10.30am.

The Foundation was created soon after the death in 2012 of Anthonia, who was a vibrant 18-year-old local youngster. Anthonia died after contracting a condition called Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) – a very rare blood condition. The Anthonia Oyindamola Folakemi Afelumo Coshare (AOFAC) Foundation was set up in 2013 on the anniversary of her passing.

Anthonia was an academically-gifted teenager and had just received outstanding results at her 'A' levels was on the verge of going to university when she died.

Anthonia wanted to get into healthcare and in her memory the Foundation was created.

Following Saturday's fundraising walk, a celebration will follow on Sunday in the heart of Grays.

From 1 to 5pm on Sunday the town's High Street will play host to speakers and performers in the Praise on the High Street party.