HUNDREDS of people attended a special fundraising event to remember the life of Southampton schoolgirl Lucy McHugh.

The event was organised by Lucy's mother, Stacey White, who is aiming to raise money for charity and keep her daughter's memory alive.

The fundraiser was held today at Mansel Park, in honour of the 13-year-old, whose body was discovered in woodland near Southampton Sports Centre in July last year.

The event included a barbecue and music, as well as activities such as a bouncy castle and a hook-a-duck competition.

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At the event, Stacey told the Daily Echo: "Lucy loved junk food and fun days.

"If there was a community activity going, then that's where she would be.

"If there was junk food on sale she was there. She loved it but she was the size of a twig.

She added: "The event has been well publicised and everyone who said they wanted to come has come.

"Those people that couldn't come have put posts on social media to wish us well and hope it all goes alright.

"I would like to thank the community and everyone who has come and had stalls to support us. It's been a good turnout."

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Lucy's schoolfriend, Allie Douglas, was also at the event.

She said: "I think it's great what Stacey is doing.

"It's great to see everyone come together and raise money to help other people, and to keep her memory alive.

"If she was here, Lucy would start laughing at us for making such a fuss all the time, but she would be proud of what we're doing and how we're keeping everything going."

The money raised will be split between bereavement charity SAMM, as well as an outside classroom project by Wordsworth School in Shirley.