An entire school has undertaken a charity walk in memory of two of its former pupils.

Ray-Emoke Stephani and Kate Turvill were students at Maidstone Grammar School for Girls (MGGS). Both passed away last November.

Last week the school’s entire student body and staff undertook a 2.1-mile wellbeing walk along the banks of the River Medway.

A total of 1,161 people took part.

The school’s head teacher, Deborah Stanley, said: “Since the sad news last autumn of the passing of two of our students, we have been planning the MGGS wellbeing walk as a way of remembering Kate and Ray-Emoke as a community.

“Taking the whole school on this walk was no mean feat and something we have never done before.

“Comments received from students, staff and friends of MGGS indicate that they found the walk extremely moving and uplifting.”

“The school was joined by Ray-Emoke’s mother and brother, along with Mark Willis and Chantelle Willows from Mind Mid Kent, who supported the school community last autumn and continue to do so.”

Six-formers acted as stewards on the walk, directing people along the right paths, and at one point a group performed songs of encouragement to spur the walkers on.

Upon their return, the students created “Bunting for Hope” which will be displayed within the school.

Contributions from walkers, parents and friends of the school raised £4,396 which will be divided between Kate and Ray’s respective charities: The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and Mind Mid Kent.

Kate, who was 15, died from cancer after a long period of illness.

Ray-Emoke, 17 and from Maidstone, was found unresponsive in Mote Park after going missing. An inquest is due to resume at a later date.