FRIENDS and family celebrated the life and birthday of Debbie Peake with a special fundraising run in her memory.

After being diagnosed with bowel cancer three years ago, Deb sadly passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2020, not long before her 41st birthday.

Based in Cam, Deb was a loving wife, daughter, sister and mother of three boys.

Matt and Ana Newman, with the support of Deb's husband Gary set up the 5k fundraising run, which took place last month on Deb's birthday.

"She was a very active person who owned her own personal training business helping people to reach their goals and live a healthy lifestyle," said Matt.

"We decided that the most appropriate way to celebrate Deb on her birthday was to host a run in her memory, so Run For Deb was created.

"Deb loved running and it was only last year that she completed the Southampton marathon."

Deb's friends, family and running club were all invited to the event and a crowdfunding page was set up in aid of the charity of Deb's choice, The Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice.

The event grew quickly and due to high numbers of people wanting to get involved, staggered start times were introduced to keep everyone safe.

"We not only had runners wanting to take part, but also families who wanted to walk the 5km route through Cam," said Matt.

"The runners were to be set off in groups of six at three minute intervals, all abiding to the social distancing rules.

"The first walkers were set off just shortly after 9.30am from Leaf and Ground.

"At 9.50am we set the first set of runners off and this continued every three minutes.

"Deb's two eldest sons were among the last group to set off.

"Along the route supporters had come out to clap as the runners passed by, which was fantastic."

And at the finish line, outside of Cam Hopton School, the runners were greeted with a round of applause and a bottle of water supplied by Tesco Cam.

"So far this amazing event has raised over £1200 for the Sue Ryder hospice in Leckhampton, Cheltenham," said Matt.

"The community spirit and love for Debbie and her family was quite simply over-whelming.

"It truly was a great day to remember Debbie and celebrate her birthday whilst raising money for such a great cause."

To donate to the Run For Deb fundraiser in aid of The Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice visit: gf.me/u/yfhby6

The Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice provides specialist palliative care for people with life-limiting conditions and their families. They combine specialist medical care for managing pain and other symptoms, with other emotional, practical and spiritual support.

The expert care they provide is free of charge to patients and their families but this is only made possible by the generosity of their supporters raising funds to cover the majority of the running costs.