Last updated at 17:00, Thursday, 17 January 2013

WELL wishers can help build Alice Pyne’s legacy by supporting the inspirational teenager’s charity in her memory.

From today the Evening Mail is selling the official Alice’s Escapes wristbands and trolley coin keyrings for £2 each to raise money for the late 17-year-old’s charity so the work she started can go from strength to strength.

The courageous Ulverston teen passed away peacefully on Saturday with her parents Vicky and Simon, and sister Milly, 14, at her side. Alice bravely fought Hodgkin's Lymphoma for more than five years.

Her family and friends have vowed to fulfil Alice’s dreams for her charity, which arranges holidays and experiences in South Cumbria for seriously ill children and their families. Alice gained global attention through her blog, Alice’s Bucket List, which started just as a page for her friends, but has now been viewed by more than 4.7 million people.

Alice campaigned to get people to join the bone marrow register – and more than 40,000 have done that. She also helped lower the age for registering and set up her own charity.

Following Alice’s death Facebook users have been asking where they can buy Alice wristbands. Alice’s Escapes had wristbands made last summer to raise funds.

Alice wore her wristband as she received the Pride of Britain Teenager of Courage award from Robbie Williams, and the popstar also wore one. The Evening Mail office in Abbey Road, Barrow, is now selling wristbands and trolley coin keyrings for Alice’s Escapes.

Her granddad, Ian Pennington, and uncle, Gary Pennington, of Barrow, visited the Mail office yesterday with Simon Broomfield, a family friend and trustee of Alice’s Escapes.

They have provided the Evening Mail with two pink wristband designs, one featuring the words ‘Team Alice grit ... courage ... determination” and the “Alice’s Escapes” band, and Alice’s Escapes trolley coin keyrings.

Ian Pennington said a lot of people really loved Alice and it has been amazing to see tributes from every continent.

The 66-year-old said: “It has been overwhelming. It’s touching that people care so much. You hear so much about what is wrong with the world, but this has opened my eyes to how many caring people there are.

“It is comforting. It brings home how special she was.”

Gary Pennington said it is great to see the “good side of social media”.

The 46-year-old, who is planning a double Keswick to Barrow walk for Team Alice, said: “We would like to raise as much money as we can for Alice’s Escapes because it’s what Alice would have wanted.”

Ian Pennington said Alice would also want people to continue joining the bone marrow register, and for more young males to come forward to register with Anthony Nolan.

Mr Broomfield said Alice’s Escapes needs more businesses, hotels and attractions to offer experiences for its families, no matter how small. They are asked to contact alices-escapes.co.uk.

First published at 09:14, Thursday, 17 January 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk