More than 100 people gathered on Sunday to celebrate the life of the former Ashdown Forest chief executive.

James Adler was 42 when he died from vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in May last year.

Friends and colleagues gathered at Friends Clump in Crowborough Road, Nutley, to honour James and to mark the end of a four-day trek by his loved ones to raise money for The Ashdown Forest Foundation in his memory.

The 79-mile walk, which began on April 25 at Climping Beach near Littlehampton, ended at the forest at around 2pm on Sunday.

More than £4,000 was raised in total.

The Argus: The walk was 79 miles long

Donations can still be made at https://www.justgiving.com/page/jameswalkapril2024.

READ MORE: Patient marries long-term partner in hospital ceremony

Beth Morgan, vice chairwoman of The Ashdown Forest Foundation and friend of James, told the gathering: "James loved connecting with other people and it has been an absolute privilege to have been part of the team organising James' Walk.

"I am in awe of the walkers who completed 127.85km.

"It has been a tough walk, both physically and emotionally".

Countryside manager Ash Walmsley, who was described at the ceremony as James's right-hand man, said: "James was an incredible man and what he achieved was incredible.

"He definitely left his mark. It was his calmness and clarity of vision, plus a stubbornness to be right, which were amazing.

"He was so professional, bringing communities together and we have such fond memories."

The Argus: The walk started on April 25 and was completed in memory of James

A spokesman for the Ashdown Forest Foundation said: "In the relatively short time that he was in role, James was instrumental in developing the vision for Ashdown Forest’s future, focusing on the protection and enhancement of its unique landscape.

"James was passionate about the forest and had been working on a strategy to safeguard Ashdown Forest and its biodiversity for future generations.

"He was also deeply involved in establishing and growing the Weald to Waves project, a nature recovery corridor across Sussex that is vital to forging connections for our fragmented wildlife and boosting biodiversity alongside food production and thriving communities."

More than 100 people attended the celebration with some also joining in for the last part of the walk to show their support.