A CHARITY run in the memory of a young Essex mum who battled cancer is set to take place for the fifth time next month.

The event, Run for Gem, is inspired by Colchester mum-of-two Gemma Edgar, who died of a glioblastoma brain tumour, aged just 33.

The 5km run is returning to Colchester Castle Park at 10.30am on Saturday, December 3.

Organised by Cara Greenley, with help from Jen Kaye and the Running Colchester community, it marks the fourth anniversary of Gemma’s death.

Gemma, a paediatric nurse at Colchester General Hospital, died in December 2018, four years after her diagnosis.

Speaking on behalf of him and his wife Barb, Gemma’s dad Andy Relf said: “We’re immensely grateful to Cara and the wider Running Colchester community for organising Run for Gem again this year to mark the fourth anniversary of her passing.

“Gemma was full of fun and positive energy and loved running, an activity she started following her brain tumour diagnosis.”

Hundreds of runners are expected to take part in Run for Gem, which will once again be held in aid of St Helena Hospice and the charity Brain Tumour Research.

The Colchester hospice provided end-of-life care for Gemma whilst the research charity is one Gemma worked closely with to raise awareness of brain tumours.

Andy added: “Gemma made many new friends through Running Colchester and rarely missed attending the weekly ParkRun in Castle Park.

“Run for Gem is a wonderful annual tribute in her name.

“We have a memory bench for her on the ParkRun route, which last year proved a popular respite for runners and walkers to take a selfie at and remember her.

“Brain tumours continue to kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.

“Gemma was a healthy, fit young woman and her brain tumour diagnosis came without warning a few weeks after the birth of her second son.

“We must find a breakthrough in treatment so no-one else has to suffer the same bleak outlook Gemma had to.

“Losing her has devastated the family and we will never get over it. We miss her so much every day."

To find out more about Run for Gem, visit www.facebook.com/events/429286805824918.