Out of this world effort on space hoppers (From Surrey Comet)

Out of this world effort on space hoppers

7:30am Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in Top stories By Louise Robertson

A colourful charity space hop organised by a group of teenagers has raised more than £1,400.

A group of nine girls from Esher High, Hinchley Wood School and one student from Surbiton High School hopped from East Molesey to the Shooting Star Hospice in Hampton on Friday, February 17.

The girls made the tiring journey in support of Esher High pupil Ellie Maskew, who lost her 16-year-old brother Josh to a rare form of bone cancer on January 4.

The hospice cared for him throughout his illness and the Maskew family said: “It was his wish that donations be made to the Shooting Star Hospice who supported him and us throughout his illness.

“Josh is an amazing boy and we will never forget him, he will always be with us in our hearts. We were blessed to have him in our lives for 16 amazing years.“

The space hop took about two hours to complete along the riverfront, with stops for refreshments along the way, and passing cars tooted in support or stopped to throw money in buckets.

All of the girls finished, but one was forced to walk the last leg when her space hopper burst two minutes away from the hospice.

Pippa Cooper, whose 14-year-old daughter Katie took part, said: “It was nice for Ellie because she felt she was doing something helpful and proactive in her brother’s memory.”

Esher College student Josh was diagnosed in November, after he went to the doctors with a pain in his ankle and the aggressive cancer took him in a short space of time.

Mrs Cooper said: “It was a terrible time, but the hospice were brilliant and I think that’s why they wanted to do something for them.

“The girls had a lot of fun and I think it’s inspired them to do more in the future.”

Visit justgiving.com/joshmaskew to donate.