Almost £50,000 has been raised for an east London hospice as its popular 10k walk returned for the first time in two years.

Haven House provides care for children and their families across boroughs including Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge, Havering, Hackney and Haringey.

Its Sparkle Walk, which involves a 10k route from Christchurch Green in Wanstead to the Cuckfield pub, is typically held annually, and returned on September 2 after a two-year delay through the pandemic.

More than 300 people took part and, as of September 5, raised £49,240 for the Woodford Green-based hospice.

The Only Way is Essex (TOWIE) star Billie Shepherd and her husband Greg, who are both Haven House ambassadors, were among those to see the walkers off at the start.

Reiko Murray, Haven House’s community and events manager, said: “Seeing a pink takeover of our local streets was something quite spectacular.

“It really was a fantastic event which really has captured the hearts of our community. We look forward to the next walk in May 2023, which will be in our 20th birthday year.

“Bring on the birthday sparkles!”

To register your interest for the Sparkle Walk 2023, visit: www.havenhouse.org.uk/Event/sparklewalk