Thousands raised for Big C in memory of artist Abigail Mill

Abigail Mill, who died in July at the age of 54, was known both nationally and internationally for her embroidered artwork depicting scenes of the county's coast and countryside. 

Last month her friends and relatives walked 50 miles along the Norfolk Coast Path wearing pairs of big colourful pants to raise money for the charity that supported her following her brain tumour diagnosis earlier this year. 

Her sister Sam Mill explained how Abigail often used to say she had to "put my big girl pants on” when steeling herself to attend challenging hospital appointments.

Abigail Mill (Image: Courtesy of family)

Sam said: “The walk was a huge success. Twenty-eight people and seven dogs walked over 50 miles - over 118,000 steps - during the four days.

“It was brilliant fun, with everyone dressed in big pants and printed t-shirts – but it was also challenging and emotional at times as we all shared stories and memories of Abbi as we walked and talked along the way.

"However, it was totally worth the aches, pains and blisters gained on the journey. We all felt Abbi was with us in spirit and she certainly arranged for good weather for us.”

The walk started at Hunstanton lighthouse (Image: Sam Mill)

Winner of numerous accolades at the RHS Chelsea Flower, Abigail grew up on the Norfolk and Suffolk border and wrote and illustrated embroidery books, including the recent Waveney Valley Wildlife. 

She was a frequent exhibitor at the Royal Norfolk Show and at Burnham Market and Blackthorpe Barns. Norfolk and Suffolk beaches, boats, beach huts and seals featured in many of her pieces.

In recent years, Abigail moved from Norwich to Redenhall, in the Waveney Valley, where she ran workshops and held open studio events with her partner, sculptor David Meredith. 

Finishing on Cromer Pier (Image: Sam Mill)

READ MORE: To read all obituaries and tributes join the Facebook group Norfolk's Loved & Lost.

Following the December 2020 floods, which damaged her studio and destroyed much of her work, she founded the Redenhall Flood Group and campaigned tirelessly for improved flood protection in the area. 

So far, the walk has raised £23,822 for Norfolk-based Big C. The group hopes to raise £25,000.

• Visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/valerie-barrell-1718111708650 to donate.