Charity walk to remember 'special' Doncaster teacher in month she would have turned 30

Julie Homar, who died in a car crash aged 24

Julie Homar died in January 2012, just a few months after starting her first teaching job at Mexborough Montagu Primary School.

This will be the fifth year her family and friends have gathered in Bessacarr for a sponsored walk to remember the 'special' young teacher, loved for her wit and warmth.

Julie with her parents Barbara and Alan at her PGCE teaching graduation

The annual event has raised thousands of pounds over the years for Yorkshire Air Ambulance and St Francis Church in Bessacarr, which helped Julie's family through their darkest hours.

Julie's mum Barbara, of Bahram Road, Bessacarr, said the walk was a happy occasion where those who knew her daughter could unite and share found memories.

She said it would have meant a lot to Julie, who was a keen fundraiser and had visited Gambia to help disadvantaged children, to know that even in her death she was helping good causes.

"It's a chance for us and everyone who knew her to remember Julie and also to give something back to the air ambulance and the church," said the 66-year-old.

Julie used to enjoy walking her dogs around the lake where the memorial walk will take place

"It's a nice day and we always tell people even if they can't manage the walk to come along for refreshments and a chat.

"Julie was a very special person. She was really witty and funny and had a nice group of friends who stuck together. She was easy to speak to and you always had a laugh with her, even when she was grumpy."

Julie - who would have turned 30 on April 11 this year - was killed in a crash on her way home from Whitby with her boyfriend Paul, who survived the collision.

Barbara said the church had been a pillar of support in the days and months following her daughter's death, and the walk was a way to pay thanks.

This will be the fifth year a sponsored walk has been held in memory of Julie. The war hero Ben Parkinson has joined previous walks (Malcolm Johnston)

"When you lose a child you can't function but everyone at the church mucked in. We didn't have to cook because people were always bringing us food," she said.

"We wouldn't have been able to manage if it wasn't for them and I want to give something back to the church.

"Julie had been fundraising since the age of about 10. She even spent 24 hours in a prison cell once for charity, and I think she'd be happy to know we're still raising money in her memory."

The circular walk of about three-and-a-half miles will take place on Sunday, April 30. It will begin at 2pm outside St Francis Church, in Nostell Place, Bessacarr, and pass around the lake, where Julie loved walking the family dogs.

You can donate at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/walk4julie.