A Channing schoolgirl who died of cancer aged just 17 was determined to make the world a better place, her mother has said three years on.

It is why family, friends and celebrities moved by her story turned a Highgate park pink - the teenager’s favourite colour - last Saturday at a picnic that raised thousands of pounds for a charity set up in her name.

Alexandra Wylie - known as Allie to her friends - died in 2010 following a two-year battle with an incurable form of cancer.

Her mother Lindsey, knowing Alexandra’s passion for life, then set up the Alexandra Wylie Tower Foundation, which helps children living in poverty or in underprivileged circumstances to realise their dreams.

Actresses Juliet Stevenson and Michelle Collins joined a team of volunteers made up of Alexandra’s friends at the charity’s second annual “Pinknic” in Waterlow Park, raising more than £9,200 for the foundation.

The amount smashed last year’s total of £6,000, which Lindsey said was “glorious”.

She added: “The money will go towards setting up and starting a breakfast club and cooking lessons to introduce nutrition to children so they can start cooking at home.”

Three Channing schoolgirls won the picnic’s first ever cake competition, judged by the charity’s patron and Coronation Street star Michelle Collins, who lives in Muswell Hill.

Meanwhile stage and screen actress Juliet Stevenson, who lives in Highgate, handed lucky raffle winners their prizes.

Pop band Twisted Piglet, who have supported The Hoosiers and Scouting for Girls, provided live music while children jumped on the bouncy castle and the adults ate Thai curry from the food stalls.

Lindsey said she regretted not trying out the inflatable adults’ assault course.

She said: “Everyone was having a wonderful time and when the sun broke through the clouds, it was glorious.

“I couldn’t do it without the volunteers, who were lovely, young and enthusiastic.

“Alexandra was totally determined to make the world a better place.

“Hopefully the money we raise will help children who are living in difficult circumstances to feel a more integral part of our community.”