A DAUGHTER, with the help of her family, has raised more than £8,000 in memory of her mum to help children cared for by Little Havens Hospice.

Candice Emmons, 23, her dad, Paul, 50, and her great uncle, Fred Francis, organised a charity night in memory of Jackie Emmons at Langdon Hills Golf and Country Club.

Jackie, 49, from Basildon, died from cancer in October 2013 and since then her family has been fundraising in her memory for Little Havens children’s hospice in Thundersley – a charity Jackie was very passionate about. More than £1,600 was raised from donations at Jackie’s funeral and £1,200 raised by Barclays Bank, in Pitsea, where Jackie was a well-known customer.

The charity night in March raised £8,060 for Little Havens Hospice.

Candice said: “I’d like to thank everybody who came along on the night for being so generous and helping us to raise the money. I’d also like to thank the local businesses which donated raffle prizes and auction lots.”

Candice, Paul, Jackie’s other daughter, Chloe and family friend Vickie Collins visited the hospice to present a cheque.

Candice said: “We hadn’t been to Little Havens before and it was such an eye-opener. We just didn’t expect it to be so welcoming, homely and friendly.

“It isn’t morbid at all – it is a place where children who are seriously ill can have fun, just like other children do.

“We all left knowing the experience would stay in our minds and understanding whymum had supported the charity. Now we’re determined to do more for Little Havens in the future.”

Peter Hall, community fundraiser for Little Havens, said: “I’d like to congratulate Candice, Paul and everybody else involved in organising this brilliant event. It was a special way for the whole family to remember Jackie and support their local children’s hospice.”