Friends of a woman who died after losing her 12-year fight against a brain tumour raised £1,300 by hosting a charity aquathon in her honour.

Organised by Sarah Windibank, an aquatic exercise tutor, the three-hour long event involved 47 swimmers and collected £1,300 for Marie Curie and the children's ward at Addenbrooke's Hospital

The fundraiser was held in memory of Braintree's Karen Stokoe, a close friend of Ms Windibank who died from a brain tumour aged 39 in 2017.

Ms Windibank, 50, was inspired to organise the event when she became friends with Ms Stokoe, who used to attend all her classes.

Since her friends' death, Ms Windibank, of Witham, calls on some of her colleagues to help run the event, and Ghia Kent, Colin Street, Fiona Riley and Becki Windes joined the action.

On Saturday, November 10, participants splashed their way through several different aqua exercise classes, including Aqua Hit, Camp Aqua, Aqua Zumba and Aqua Combat.

A raffle was also held, which helped boost the fundraising total to the final figure of £1,300.

Silver End resident Sindy, took part in the event at Braintree Swim and Fitness Centre.

She said:“I loved taking part in the Aquathon, this was my third time attending and Sarah always chooses a great cause.

"What is there not to like about staying fit and raising money for charity. The atmosphere was amazing, with all ages having fun side by side.”

The Braintree Swim and Fitness Centre aquathon was one of hundreds across the world to take place on the same day as part of World Wide Aquathon, an initiative started by South African Rose Hertsenburge to unite aqua instructors from around the world in introducing aqua to new participants while helping to raise money for charities.