AN annual awareness and fundraising event will take place next weekend but in an abridged format.

Over recent years the borough-based Anthonia Oyindamola Folakemi Afelumo Coshare (AOFAC) Foundation, that was set up in 2013, has hosted two events in Grays to commemorate and celebrate the life of a young borough woman who died after contracting Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP.

Anthonia was 18 when she died and was described as a 'wonderful daughter, sister and friend'. She was academically gifted and having just received outstanding results at her 'A' levels was on the verge of going to university when she died.

The two events that celebrate her life and raise awareness are a sponsored walk through the streets of Grays that has taken place on a Saturday, followed by an awareness event in Grays High Street a day later.

This year, due to reasons beyond the charity's control, the awareness day and 'Party on the High Street Extravaganza Praise Concert planned for Sunday, 3 September has been cancelled.

However, there now will be an awareness on the High Street to follow the 5k sponsored walk planned for Saturday, 2 September.

Walks will also take place on Saturday in London and in South Carolina in America.

Folake Afelumo, Anthonia's mother, who set up the foundation says: "We rely on your support and We are looking for your total support to make the Saturday event something extraordinary by participating in the events.

"Thank you for your continuous support to the charity."