Hundreds of hikers and dozens of dogs have enjoyed a 6.5 mile countryside trek around Staplefield and Cuckfield in memory of a local teenager.

The walkers hope to have raised more than £4,000 for the Angus Rowland Forget-Me-Not Fund for research into leukaemia and lymphoma.

The charity was set up in memory of 14 year old Angus Rowland from Staplefield, who died last year.

Angus’ Mum Elizabeth, who organised the walk along with family and friends, said she was delighted with the turnout and particularly the numbers of young walkers. “It was wonderful to see so many teenagers out walking on a Sunday morning and once again we were blessed with fantastic weather,” she said.

“The following day was a different story when we got drenched while walking the route and taking the signs down!”

Walkers were treated to drinks and homemade cakes at two refreshment stops along the way. “We are extremely grateful to Chris and Simon at Ditton Place and Debbie and Lee at Sidnye Cottages, who once again gave their time to support us by manning the refreshment stops and to all our wonderful friends who provided the cakes and helped at the village hall and with marshalling,” said Elizabeth.

She added that villager Pat Bendall also added more than £170 to the day’s total by selling her handmade greetings cards.

The event was organised following the success of the first Angus Rowland memorial walk last year and preparations are in hand for next year’s event.

“It’s a great opportunity to raise money and to remember our son,” said Elizabeth.

In just under a year the charity has raised almost £80,000 for research into teenage leukaemia, with many events organised by Angus’ friends from St Paul’s Catholic College and Warden Park School.

For more information about the charity, search for Angus Rowland Fund on Facebook.