Family and friends of a teenager who died from a brain tumour raised hundreds of pounds in his memory during a New Year’s Day walk in Rayne.

Notley High student Jake Whiteside died in April aged just 16, after a ten-month battle with cancer.

Since his death, friends and family have been raising money for CLIC Sargent, a cancer charity supporting children, young people and their families.

Richard Whiteside, Jake’s dad, said: “Christmas is obviously difficult, all milestones are, and it kind of just reminds you that he’s gone, not that we would ever forget.

“It brings things into focus and all of Jake’s friends visit his grave and there’s a Christmas tree there and decorations, which is uplifting.

“Jake was the driving force behind the walk and we are raising money for CLIC Sargent who supported us while he was in the hospital and after.”

A group of around 200 walked 6.5 miles and donated more than £480 to Jake’s Army of Walkers, bringing its total to about £5,000.

Mr Whiteside will next take part in the Stansted Stagger on Sunday before an Isle of Wight challenge.

To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/jawstakeontheiow.