A Loughton woman is on a mission to raise thousands of pounds towards paying to grant wishes for severely sick children.

Despite running a marathon just last month Laura Slattery is determined to give charity Rays of Sunshine £2,000.

Her fundraising began in January when the 28-year-old took on the gruelling London Marathon with just over two months notice.

Since then, Miss Slattery says that she has been so moved by what the charity does for young people, that she wants to give as much as she can.

She said: “I took the marathon place because somebody dropped out.

“Since then I have just learnt more and more about the charity and what they do. It is amazing.

“No wish is too big for the children. I know that if someone I loved was sick I would want to know that they could help.

“The marathon was a massive challenge but I want to do more.”

In order to collect more cash for the charity Miss Slatterly has organised a fun day in Epping this weekend which will be attended by football legend Teddy Sherringham, TOWIE stars and a few other famous faces.

Miss Slattery of Bushfield has organised prizes for the raffle on the day including an Arsenal shirt signed by the first team, a group make-over from Benefit cosmetics and a photo shoot.

“It has been so tough trying to organise everything but it will be worth it.

“Who knows what I’m going to do next,” She added.

Wishes with Rays of Sunshine which are granted to three-18-year-olds cost an average of £1,000.

The fun day will start at Epping Upper Clapton Club in Upland Road, Epping at 12pm on Saturday.

Entertainment will include face painting, an adult football tournament, bouncy castles and a DJ.