LITTLE Stevie Mayes never reached her ninth birthday.To celebrate the birthday on Friday of the tragic young Walton girl who suddenly died last month, her parents and over 50 members of her family and friends met on a beach in Felixstowe.

LITTLE Stevie Mayes never reached her ninth birthday.

To celebrate the birthday on Friday of the tragic young Walton girl who suddenly died last month, her parents and over 50 members of her family and friends met on a beach in Felixstowe.

They sang happy birthday to Stevie before releasing their yellow balloons, which had personal messages attached.

The balloons, which were yellow as they were the little girl's favourite colour, rose over The Alex pub on the seafront and disappeared beyond the high street.

Her dad, also called Stevie, said: "I'm still thinking of her, still love her lots."

On Saturday they held a joint birthday party for Stevie and her cousin Emily Ripper, who were born within hours of each other at the same hospital.

They held the party at Walton Hall, Walton, and instead of bringing birthday presents, guests are donating money to the Stevie Mayes memorial fund.

To send money to the Evening Star's Stevie Mayes memorial fund, send your donations directly to Stevie Mayes Memorial Fund, Causton Junior School, Maidstone Road, Felixstowe, IP11 9ED.

Cheques should be made payable to Causton Junior School. If you want to organise a fund raising event contact Joanne Constable at the Star's newsdesk on 01394 284109, or e-mail: joanne.constable@eveningstar.co.uk