A grandmother well-known in the Maldon community for her support of others is looking for help at an event being held to commemorate the life of her murdered teenage grandson.

Julie Taylor, known for her work at The Cafe at St Peter's Hospital, is holding a fun day at Great Baddow in collaboration with the Great Baddow East Neighbourhood Association (GBENA) on Sunday, 22 August. The event will help raise funds for the Liam Taylor Legacy Fund, to buy defibrillators for schools and other community groups in memory of Liam Taylor, who was stabbed to death outside a Writtle pub in January, 2020.

Despite her terrible grief, Julie has continued to work to support elderly and vulnerable Maldon residents throughout the pandemic - and now she's hoping people will come forward to help her make the event as memorable - and as much fun - as possible.

Julie said: "Everyone will be welcome and entry will be completely free. We will provide free ice cream and barbeque - and there will be lots of stalls!

"There will be a singer, Wendy Martin, DJ Dan Green, a magician, tombola, face painting and hair braiding, Essex Police dog section and firefighters - but now I would really like to find some others who can donate their services for the event."

Julie's biggest hope is for a donkey or other animals for children to pet, as well as classic cars, motorbikes, majorettes and - well, anyone else to provide entertainment and activities on the day.

"People who think they can help can call me direct or pop into the Cafe at St Peter's," Julie said.

She's also looking for raffle prize donations, too.

To contact Julie, call 07958 300113.

There are also stalls still available at the event. For charities these are free and for businesses the fee is £20. For more details and to book a stall contact Angela Ling on 07973 772289.

-The Fun Day will be held at the Recreation Ground in Baddow Road, Great Baddow, CM2 9RL, on Sunday, 22 August from midday onwards.