Children at a primary school in Watford took part in a penalty shootout last week in memory of their friend who died from a rare and aggressive cancer.

Head teacher Emma Braund says year 6 pupils and their families at Holy Rood Catholic Primary School wanted to host one last big fundraiser in honour of Jessica Macqueen.

Jessica was aged just nine when she passed away in October 2019.

The pupils were joined at the charity event on June 22 by Watford academy goalkeeper Vincent Angelini, who went into the net for the final round of spot-kicks.

Mr Angelini said: "I really enjoyed meeting all the children and staff at such a great event. There were some really good penalty takers too.

"It was really nice to meet Jessica's family as well and talk to them. It was great to see so many people supporting the event and raising money for such a great cause."

Watford Observer:

The fundraiser along with donations to a Just Giving page has seen just over £2,000 raised for Alice’s Arc - a children's cancer charity funding research into finding more targeted and less harsh treatments for rhabdomyosarcoma – the cancer Jessica was diagnosed with.

Watford Observer: Jessica MacqueenJessica Macqueen

Ms Braund said: “This was such a special afternoon and it was so well supported by our school community both in attendance at the event and donating to this special cause.

“The Just Giving link is still valid as we want to continue to raise funds, so we ask people, if they can, to donate and help turn the tragic loss of Jessica into something positive for the future.”

To donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kelly-quinn6