The Walk for Alfie Raises More than £5,000

More than 400 people took part in Walk for Alfie, supported by Keats, on Saturday 15 July, in memory of a Camelsdale Primary School teacher, and in support of her two-year-old son. It is estimated that over £5,000 was raised on the day. Clare Vedde was diagnosed with breast cancer just months after her son, Alfie was born in 2015. After a year-long battle with the disease, she died on 18 July 2016 when she was just 31 years old.

In her memory, Camelsdale Primary school started an Educational Trust for Alfie, Alfie’s Trust. Walk for Alfie will be held annually to raise money for the trust. This year the walk was sponsored by Keats of Haslemere, alongside Progress International.

The first walk was a huge success with hundreds of people walking up to 10km around Marley and Lynchmere Commons. Among the walkers were Camelsdale Primary School staff, ex-pupils who were taught by Mrs Vedde and members of the Camelsdale community. Alfie and his family were also there to take part. Clare’s mother, Lesley Carter, said: “We are so grateful to everyone who took part in Walk for Alfie in memory of our amazing Clare. It was an emotional afternoon, and amazing to see so many of Clare’s colleagues, family and friends.”

Rita Tinney, Director at Keats, said: “It was great to be a part of the Walk for Alfie and it was so well supported. It was wonderful to meet Alfie and his family and I very much enjoyed walking with other participants. The whole event was fantastic and so well organised.”

The walkers enjoyed a sizzling BBQ, cakes and drinks after the walk, and Dylan’s Ice Cream was there selling  ‘Alfie’s Volcanic Vanilla’ ice cream to mark the day.

Sarah Palmer, Headteacher at Camelsdale School, said: “What an amazing day we had for little Alfie and in memory of our wonderful colleague, teacher and friend, Clare. I would sincerely like to thank so many people, local businesses and our sponsors, Keats and Progress International, for their time and generosity in helping make the day happen and the success it was – a truly tremendous show of community spirit and support”.

You can find out more about Alfie’s Trust, by getting in touch with Camelsdale Primary School.