SILLY hats were made at a charity event to raise money in tribute to a toddler who died from a rare illness.

The event, in aid of Histio UK, was organised by Julie Palmer and her Move to Lose class, in memory of a friend’s daughter.A total of £482 was raised.

Isobel Parmenter died from Langerhans cell histiocytosis, a very rare illness likened to cancer, when she was 22 months old.

Her mum, Suzanne, from Colchester, thanked Ms Palmer for organising the silly hat day at Shrub End Hall.

She said: “My husband Mike and I would like to thank Julie for her support.

She has worked very hard.

“We’d also like to thank all the ladies who have taken part and donated money, too. The money raised will go towards funding vital research into the diagnosis and treatment of this horrible disease, and to provide support to patients.”

The Histio UK charity has recently been awarded a lottery grant for its GP awareness campaign, which the family sees as huge progress.

Mr and Mrs Parmenter are urging GP practices across Colchester to consider taking part in the campaign.

Mrs Parmenter said: “We strongly believe, in our experience, more people – especially children – are being under-diagnosed through lack of awareness.”

The family have raised £14,100 since January through various fundraising events and awareness days.