A Maldon family is raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of their aunt, alongside a project to help provide comfort to cancer patients.

'Christina's Legacy' was set up in memory of Heybridge resident Christina Hunt, who died from oesophageal cancer in May, aged 42. The project aims to provide care packages for those suffering from cancer.

After Christina died, her nephew Kye Challis set up the fundraiser and project, together with his mother Joanna Hunt and his wife Libby.

Kye told Nub News: "She'd always been a giving person throughout her life.

"She always liked to help people out, giving people what they needed - sometimes at her own expense - as she just wanted to make other people happy.

"That's what's inspired me to do this."

To preserve Christina's memory, the family intends to hold three large-scale annual events, with lower-key events planned between them. The first is set to be a Christmas market.

Currently, the family is collecting donations towards care packages for cancer patients in Broomfield Hospital and throughout Essex.

Each package will consist of:

• Toiletries, such as deodorants
• Colouring books
• Pencils and pens
• Face wipes
• Face masks
• Fluffy socks
• Scented candles
• Snacks
• Energy drinks, such as Lucozade

Christina's partner, Gary Cann, died just one month after she was diagnosed with cancer.

Christina was diagnosed with Stage 4 oesophageal cancer in June 2021. Just one month later, her partner Gary died suddenly.

Because of Coronavirus restrictions, Christina's family were unable to accompany her when she went into hospital. She said she felt lost and unsure of what to do.

However just before last Christmas, it looked as though Christina's cancer was under control.

Kye said: "This is what we'd been hoping for, so we went all-out at Christmas."

Kye with his Auntie Christina, while she was undergoing treatment for cancer.

Although Christina's situation did appear to be improving, the possibility of losing her meant the family wanted to make the most of the occasion.

Kye continued: "We thought, 'This could be our last Christmas'."

In February, Christina went back to hospital as she had started to lose mobility. The cancer had spread to her brain.

Christina moved in with her sister Joanne for a short while, before she went into a hospice.

Kye said: "She never showed people the dark side of it. She always put a smile on. She was so brave throughout it all.

"She was just such a genuinely caring person."

"She was just such a genuinely caring person." Kye Challis, organiser of 'Christina's Legacy'

11 months after her diagnosis, Christina succumbed to cancer on May 31.

Following her death, Kye and his family wanted to help the community in memory of Christina's generous personality.

Their aim is to support those going through the same challenges Christina faced.

Kye said: "It just shows them that they're not fighting alone. There are people out there backing them.

While the family is accepting contributions towards the care packages, Kye also launched a GoFundMe to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Care.

It is hoped Christina's Legacy will provide some comfort to those suffering from cancer and remind them that they are not alone.