MORE than 100 runners came together to remember a mum who battled with cancer on the first anniversary of her death.

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

A year after her death, the run took place for a second time in Castle Park to raise money for Brain Tumour Research and St Helena Hospice where she received end-of-life care.

Her friend Cara Greenley, who organised the event, said it was huge success.

She said: “The community really came together and supported the event in such a lovely way.

“So many kind words and thoughts were shared about Gemma, it’s still so clear how many lives she touched and continues to contribute to every single day.

“She is someone so many will always look up to and she will continue to be remembered through Run for Gem.”

Cara will continue to host the event every year in her friend’s memory.

She vowed to Gemma’s parents, Andy and Barbara Relf, she would fundraise for the charities which were close to Gemma’s heart.

She said: “We raised £1,700 with donations still coming in.

“More than 100 people ran, walked and talked their way through the 5k route.

“It was such an amazing atmosphere and so many people have thanked me.

“However, it could not be the success it is without the support I receive from all the marshals and volunteers who give their time.”

Cara met Gemma at St Helena School in Colchester when they were teenagers.

Cara started running a couple of years ago and she and Gemma both ran with the Running Colchester group.

They ended up running the London Marathon together.

Cara added: “It’s to the running community I have to say the biggest thank you, They have got me through the past year since losing Gem.

“A special mention to Sarah Phillips from St Helena Hospice as she and the team at the hospice are second to none.

“Gemma’s family and I are forever grateful for the love, care and support they have given Gemma and continue to give Gemma’s family.”

Last year’s event raised enough money for a plaque on the memory wall at Brain Tumour Research.

While visiting the charity’s head office in Milton Keynes for a campaign event, Gemma and her mum, Barbara, met businesswoman, supermodel and brain tumour survivor Caprice Bourret.

The two mums, who both had two young boys, bonded over their shared experiences and Caprice went on to visit Gemma twice while she was being cared for at the hospice.

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

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

Noah went on to endure his own battle with retinoblastoma – a form of eye cancer. Despite surgery and treatment, nothing could be done to save Gemma and she died on December 19 last year.

Last month, her parents spoke out publicly for the first time since her death urging people to join the Run for Gem.

Gemma’s dad, Andy, said: “We regularly have runners who we’ve never met before approach us and tell us what an inspiration Gemma was. It’s tough for us both remembering Gem’s deterioration this time last year and then actually losing our beloved daughter.

“We are planning to mark the first anniversary quietly and privately.”

To donate to the appeal, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/cara-greenley4 or justgiving.com/fundraising/Cara-greenley3.