CHILDREN at a local nursery school have raised more than $9,000 in memory of young Bermudian Lori Mello, who lost her battle with cancer last year.

Kiddie Academy this week presented a cheque for $9025 to the Fight for Life Foundation following a fundraiser in honour of what would have been Lori's 26th birthday on September 3.

Sharon DeSilva, Lori's mother and the director of Kiddie Academy, expressed gratitude to those who participated in the fundraising drive ¿ including local companies that pledged or matched individual donations.

"My friends and family helped me to spread the word and to raise additional funds, so I am very pleased with the outcome," she said.

"Thanks also to MCS Ltd, to Renaissance Re, who matched a family member's donation four to one, to Partner Re who had their own denim day, and to Schroeder's Ltd. who matched the donations raised by one of our students."

The Fight For Life Foundation, a charity set up by Lori and her friends before her death, helps local families struggling to pay medical bills for their sick children.

Ms DeSilva hopes the money raised will help other patients feel the compassion and support Lori felt from Bermudians.