Hundreds of runners braved the wintery conditions and helped raise more than £4,000 to support a mum battling an incurable brain tumour.

Organised by Cara Greenley, Run for Gem took place in Colchester's Castle Park on Saturday, collecting £4,200 for St Helena Hospice and the Brain Tumour Research charity.

The 5k run was inspired by 33-year-old mother-of-two Gemma Edgar, who is receiving end-of-life treatment at the hospice after being diagnosed with an aggressive and incurable glioblastoma brain tumour.

Ms Greenley, also 33, met Ms Edgar when both were 13-year-olds at St Helena School.

Although after school the pair lost touch, they later reconnected over a shared love of running - completing the London Marathon together earlier this year.

Ms Greenley, of The Willows, Colchester, said: "Saturday was absolutely phenomenal – beyond my wildest dreams.

"I had originally envisaged about 20 runners, but with Running Colchester getting behind the event, we ended up with hundreds and have raised around £4,200 with more donations coming in even today.

"I was a marshal on the day, helped by a team of Running Colchester supporters, and to see the sea of people pounding past was stunning.

"I particularly want to thank Running Colchester, everyone who donated cakes and Gemma’s family for their incredible support.

"It was very special seeing Gemma’s dad and brother Andy and Lee Relf taking part.”

Andy Relf said his daughter, who worked as a paediatric nurse at Colchester Hospital, got into running shortly after her diagnosis, aged 29, in order to give her something good for her mental health and physical wellbeing to focus on.

He said: "The big bonus which she hadn’t anticipated was the amazing community she entered into.

"All the runners got behind her and their love and support spurred her on and meant so much to her.

"This was demonstrated in huge proportions to the family on Saturday with people who don’t even know Gemma, but who had been touched by her story, taking part.

"It means so much to Gemma's mum Barbara, Lee and me and gives us strength too.”

Run for Gem was such a success it is set to become an annual fundraiser.

Donate at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cara-greenley1 and www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cara-greenley2.