A DETERMINED mum has saved Easter for dozens of schoolchildren after rallying the community together to donate almost 500 Easter eggs.

Tiptree couple Rebecca Irvine, 35, and Simon Moore, 34, live together with their children who go to St Luke’s Primary School.

After the Easter fair announcing its cancellation, Rebecca decided to take matters into her own hands so her children would not miss out.

Partner Simon, who works at I&S Care, said: “She’s one of these people who comes up with these mad ideas and sometimes they happen and sometimes they don’t.

“Our children go to a church school, so Easter is quite a big deal. It got cancelled last year and it’s been cancelled this year.

Lola and Archie Weaver with the Easter eggs for St Lukes in Tiptree 1

Lola and Archie Weaver with the Easter eggs for St Luke's in Tiptree 1

“She decided she wants to do something for the children of the school who have missed out and decided to get an Easter egg for every child.”

The Broomfield nurse contacted the Tiptree Volunteers which set the ball rolling by donating some Easter eggs.

Easter rabbit - Rebecca Irvine behind peeking her Easter egg haul

Easter rabbit - Rebecca Irvine behind peeking her Easter egg haul

With help from her partner, businesses big and small around the community also dug deep and donated Easter eggs too.

The drive proved such a success, they were not only able to give every staff member and pupil at St Luke’s an egg, but all the pupils at Mildene Primary School as well.

Simon said he is proud of the community for coming together and helping.

“She set a target of 200 and ended up getting more than double,” he added.

“There was Morrisons and Tesco who donated but most of them were independent businesses – convenience stores, garages, and nail salons which are not owned by big chains.

“It’s recognition for them. They did not have to, they do not have tons and tons of money.

“So pleased to have been able to send so many children home with a smile on their face.”

St Luke’s said they were overwhelmed with the generous gift.

The donations came from: Carole Hull of Tiptree Volunteers, Frontier Marble and Granite, Morrisons Witham, Tesco Tiptree, The Original Factory Shop, The Bluebird Garage, Underwoods Motoring, Tiptree Homes Estate Agents, Iceland Tiptree, Hardy-King Estate Agent, Osbourne’s convenience store, Jodie’s Nail and Beauty Bar, and staff at I&S Care.