ASDA employees took part in Southend’s Colourthon to show their support for a colleague fighting cancer and to raise money for Southend Hospital’s Breast Unit.

About 40 members of staff from Asda, in Rayleigh, came out to support checkout worker, Rayleigh woman Angela Crow, who is undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer.

The idea for the mass participation in the 13.1-mile moonlight walk through Southend, was suggested by Jayne Godfrey, community life champion at the Asda store in Rayleigh.

Gwil Jones, store manager, said: “It was a really great experience.

Angela even came down at around midnight to see us all, which was really nice.

“She’s obviously not in a state to be taking part at the minute, but it was good to see her there.

“Everyone knew the cause we were walking for. It’s not nice, but we had people from all departments in the store taking part.

“Jayne canvassed opinion on who would like to do it and it was great to see such a strong response from Angela’s colleagues to raise the money.”

The group set a target of £3,000 and Mr Jones is confident they will beat that once all the money is collected. The money includes nearly £1,000 from a barbecue held outside the store in the run up to the walk.

Mr Jones added: “We set up a Just Giving page so workers who couldn’t make the walk could still donate, so it’s a real store effort.

“A few employees really got into it as well. Adam Ramsey finished fourth overall and Rhys Trigwell and Dean Griffin finished joint sixth, so they were really going some.”

Kayley Fletcher, community fundraising manager for Southend Hospital Charity, said: “We are delighted the team at Asda in Rayleigh chose to support our breast unit at this year’s Moonlight Colourthon.

“It was a fabulous event and the Asda team made a real effort to look the part and collect sponsorship!

“Our thanks go to each and every one of them.”

To add to their total, visit www.justgiving.com/Jayne-Godfrey