To honour the memory of five-year-old Shani Berman, a group of mothers walked through the night after Shabbat to raise well over £20,000.

The Immanuel pupil died in February after complications from open heart surgery.

Dressed in "Shine for Shani" caps, her mother Juliet and 18 friends from the Elstree community completed the 26-mile route, which took them past some of the capital's major sights. The proceeds will be shared between Great Ormond Street Hospital, where Shani was treated, and Cancer Research UK.

“Boosted by the huge amount of support and sponsorship money we received - and chocolate - we were so excited and talked non-stop for the 10 hours," Mrs Berman said.

“We were particularly proud that we stayed together as a team, regrouping at every pit stop and crossing the finish line together.” They even fitted in some window shopping for simcha dresses."We were very emotional at the end.

“Personally, I was so honoured that my friends chose to walk in Shani's memory and raised so much money. The training and the walk has been a wonderful distraction for me and will be such a positive memory in a miserable year. It is so gratifying that our precious little girl could inspire so many people.”

The money raised is now up to £26,500.