A CHRISTMAS shopping event held to raise funds for The Jemima Layzell Trust raised more than £500.

Horton resident, Marika Sterry organised the festive event after being touched by Jemima's story. 

The 13 year old died suddenly in 2012 from a rare brain aneurysm and saved eight people's lives and three people's sight by donating her organs.

"Raising money for the trust is such a wonderful thing and Sophy (Jemima's mum) does such a good job. 

"Sometimes people need a break from fundraising and I wanted to do my best to help," Marika said. 

Marika worked for four weeks to put the event together and said it was a big success. 

"The hall was packed full of people throughout the evening, it was a really good night.

"We raised £450 through our refreshments, raffle and stallholders donations and the trust's stall raised £100.

"We had 22 stallholders and asked them all to give a percentage of their sales to us so we could give it to the trust," Marika said

"We had a beauty stall that gave customers Indian head massages and a baking demonstration as well as a lot of great stalls which everyone really enjoyed, it was a big success."

The trust's new ambassador, Liam Harper, opened the event and Sophy said the trust has raised more than £12,000 this year. 

"We have had a great year, our new ambassador who is fantastic and we have donated a lot of money and equipment to people suffering from brain injuries. 

"This is the second Christmas market we have had in the last month and it went really well, it was great to see so many people come out and support us,"Sophy said.

"Another lady organised their own Christmas shopping event for us earlier this month and raised some funds so I want to thank her and Marika for their efforts."

Sophy said a number of people from across the country have contacted her about fundraising for the charity and said some are running marathons to raise money for the trust. 

 "We are so pleased with all the support we have had from people, we have had a really good year at the trust," Sophy said

"We hope to have more success next year."