EVENTS have been organised to raise money for a little girl struck down by sepsis.

Mary, three, of Colchester, fell ill at the end of July. But what was initially thought to be a routine cold soon saw the pre-schooler 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.

She 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.

David Cussell, of Colchester, has organised a 24-hour walk along the Essex Way trial from Roxwell to Colchester on October 8.

Together they will be walking 43 miles for Mary.

Mr Cussell said: "We came aware of this as the parents are a very close friend of my brothers. We was thinking of something to do for them as this is clearly a very challenging time for them all round.

"We had thought of doing different events London to Brighton and a possible sky dive but wanted to do an event sooner rather than later."

The group are hoping to complete it in 26 to 30 hours.

Another walk for Mary has also been organised, this time in Wivenhoe.

Open for anyone to have a go at, families have been invited to take part in the one mile sponsored walk on September 25.

It will take place on King George VI playing field at 10am.

Sarah, Mary's mum, said she was incredibly touched by all of the events being organised and donations people had sent.

More than 30 people have also given blood in Mary's name.

To take part email walkformary@outlook.com with your names of those taking part and the ages of the children.

To donate to Mary's Fund, click here.