MAGICAL moments were created for a little girl who was struck down by sepsis.

Dozens of families turned out for a one-mile walk in Wivenhoe woods on Sunday.

Along the route they kept eyes peeled for teddy bears hiding in the undergrowth.

The walkers were also met by fairies and pixies at the end who handed out lollipops to the children.

The walk was held in aid of three-year-old Mary, from Colchester, who fell seriously ill from sepsis earlier this year.

The event raised more than £1,400 after families were sponsored to take part.

Fiona Wallis, one of the organisers, said: “It was absolutely lovely, there were so many children there.

“Mary was there was as well so it was extra special and she managed to walk a little bit of it.

“It was very emotional looking at all of the people doing it for Mary’s mum, Sarah, and Mary.”

Mary walked as much as she could and then enjoyed the rest of the walk in a buggy.

Anna Smith, who also helped to organise the event, thanked volunteers, marshalls and the fairies from Events Ever After.

Mary’s first signs of illness were thought to have been a cold.

But the youngster’s condition deteriorated rapidly and she was put into an induced coma and on life support machines after going into septic shock.

While Mary is thankfully recovering, she has been left with brain damage after her brain was starved of oxygen.

The little girl will also need part of all of the fingers on her left hand amputated because of the lack of blood supply.

Friends have set up Mary’s Fund to help pay for equipment and rehabilitation the youngster will need for the rest of her life.

Another fundraising event for Mary will take place on October 8.

David Cussell has organised a 24-hour walk along the Essex Way from Roxwell to Colchester, covering a distance of 43 miles.

  •  To donate to Mary’s Fund, click here.