A RUN in memory of an inspirational Colchester mum who died from a brain tumour is going virtual this year in the wake of coronavirus.

The 5k Run for Gem was inspired by 33-year-old mother-of-two Gemma Edgar, who died from an aggressive and incurable brain tumour in December 2018.

The first Run for Gem took place in Castle Park in Colchester in 2018, to raise money for Brain Tumour Research and St Helena Hospice, where Gemma received end-of-life care.

It attracted more than 250 runners and raised more than £5,000 for the charities.

Run for Gem also returned last year, but organiser and close friend of Gemma, Cara Greenley, 35, has been forced to move to a virtual event due to Covid-19 restrictions this year.

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Cara, of The Willows, Colchester, first met Gemma when they were both students at St Helena School, but they bonded later in life over a shared love of running.

She said: “I went to school with Gemma and we got back in contact when we both signed up to run the London Marathon where we would train together when we could.

“Gemma was a nurse at the Colchester Hospital so she worked shifts but we both were part of the group Running Colchester and so we often saw each other at running events and training runs.

“Before Gemma died I had briefly discussed doing a fundraiser for both St Helena Hospice and Brain Tumour Research with her.

“At this point Gemma was far too ill to run so I promised I would arrange a run and see what I could do.

“I never anticipated it to be the massive success it was.

“The first Run for Gem in December 2018 raised over £5,000 with over 250 people participating.

“It was a huge success and so after Gemma died I vowed I would keep her memory alive and continue each year to raise awareness and fundraise for both the charities that meant a lot to her.”

A paediatric nurse at Colchester Hospital, Gemma was diagnosed with the brain tumour in 2014 when she was just 29.

It came after a few days of migraine-type symptoms and just eight weeks after the birth of her youngest son, Noah.

Noah went on to endure his own battle with retinoblastoma – a form of eye cancer - leading to Gemma’s London Marathon run for the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust in April 2018.

She was battling her own condition at the time but still completed the 26.2 mile run to support the charity.

Despite surgery and treatment, nothing could be done to save Gemma and she died on December 19 2018.

Her family have been heavily involved in the planning of Run for Gem and in the wake of her death urged people to take part in her memory.

Although this year’s event will be a bit different, Cara is still hoping to give the charities a much-needed boost before Christmas.

Cara said: “Run for Gem normally takes place in Castle Park and it is a 5km run, jog or walk.

“However, this year due to Covid I am asking people to participate virtually and still donate to the charities.

“It would be great is people can take part virtually and donate this year.”

Runners looking to take part are being asked to complete a 5km route on Saturday or Sunday.

Donate at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sarah-langford2019 and www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cara-greenley6.