The family of a Heybridge woman who died from oesophageal cancer will hold a charity Christmas market in her memory, at Plantation Hall tomorrow (November 27) from 11am.

Christina's Legacy, set up by the family of Christina "Tina" Hunt, hopes to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer support.

Kye Challis, Christina's nephew, told Nub News: "Tina always gave to everyone else, but she never liked taking from anyone.

"This is us, as a family, giving back to her.

"The doctors missed Tina's diagnosis for six months. It's important her story is heard, and that people take something away from it, so nobody has to suffer like we did.

Through fundraising activities such as the Christmas Market, Christina's Legacy aims to provide support to those living with cancer and raise awareness of early diagnosis.

Kye continued: "If we can get just one person diagnosed a little bit quicker due to us raising awareness, that would be like winning the lottery.

"It's been gut-wrenching and heart-breaking to hear how many people are out there, suffering."

Tomorrow's event is set to include Santa's Grotto, craft and food stalls, a visit from the Maldon Grinch, and two mobile bars, selling alcoholic beverages.

Due to the high likelihood of rain expected tomorrow, organisers have adapted plans to move half of all the stalls into Plantation Hall.

Therefore, the market will take place both indoors and on the King George V Playing Field, on Colchester Road.

Kye Challis (left) with his late aunt, Christina Hunt, who died in May aged 42.

The main stage, which is sponsored by a Witham-based MOT & Service Centre, will make up part of the central entertainment area.

Weather permitting, Edwards Show Vehicles is set to bring eight vehicles for the public to view, including an authentic Only Fools and Horses van and Mr Bean's famous Mini.

41 local vendors will sell their goods, smashing organisers' initial target of 25.

There will be a variety of food stalls selling burgers, lamb kebabs, loaded potato skins, chestnuts and more.

Funfair rides are also on offer, featuring teacup rides and even a 'reindeer rodeo'.

Half of all profits will go to Macmillan Cancer Support, while the other half will go to the Christina's Legacy campaign.

Throughout the day, a line-up of performers will entertain visitors:

• 12 noon: Busketeers Choir
• 1.30pm: Madds Choir
• 2pm: Colchester Pipe Band – a favourite of Tina's and her late partner, Gary
• 3pm-3.20pm: Elftastic Experience – a group of 'mischievous' elves, providing entertainment for children
• 3.30pm: Raffle prize draw – tickets can be purchased in Plantation Hall or outside
• 4pm: the event will close

Festive music will be played throughout the day.

Kye added: "It would be really, really nice if the public could come along and support us tomorrow.

"I'm excited to see how it turns out."

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