A group of swimmers braved artic temperatures and took a Boxing Day dip to raise money in memory of a young mum who died from an aggressive brain tumour.

Barely leaving enough time for their turkey dinners to settle, the team took to the North Sea off the coast of Frinton, in honour of mother-of-two Gemma Edgar.

Organised by Ellen Stuart, the event has so far raised more than £900 for Brain Tumour Research.

A fundraising page set up by Ms Stuart reads: “Gemma is not just a friend, but family.

“Her incredible sense of humour and bubbly personality is contagious and she has brought so much love, laughter and a million treasured memories into their lives.”

“Since being diagnosed Gemma has devoted much time to raising money for Brain Tumour Research and this Christmas I am organising a Boxing Day dip, inspired by Gemma.”

It adds: “Sadly, since creating this page, Gemma lost her battle and passed away peacefully on December 19 with family by her side.

She added: “Our dip is now not only inspired by Gemma but in her memory. What better tribute than something a little bit crazy and courageous.

“So please support us and honour Gemma by continuing to raise the money so desperately needed for vital research.”

Mrs Edgar, who passed away aged 33 at St Helena Hospice, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme tumour just eight weeks after giving birth to her second son Noah, now six.

She was given a survival prognosis of 18 months, but battled the condition for four years and even ran the London Marathon whilst receiving chemotherapy.

The former paediatric nurse and her family became staunch supporters of Brain Tumour Research and raised more than £27,000 for the charity with various events including a skydive from husband Robert.

Since her death, tributes have poured in to Mrs Edgar, who was described by her father Andy Relf as a “brave, loving, caring, fun and beautiful sunflower.”

Lee Relf, Gemma’s only sibling, said: “It hasn’t sunk in yet that Gemma has gone. It all feels surreal.

“She was such a big part of my life that it will never be the same again.

“All we can do is carry on her work of fundraising and raising awareness for the charity and keep running and smiling and telling the boys all the stories about their beautiful and loving mum.”

Many more fundraising events are already in the pipeline, including a bootcamp event and sky dive early next year.

Kirsty Enefer, Mat Stuart and Sarah Langford will both be taking on the London Marathon in 2019 and Sarah Isted has created a fundraising initiative inviting people to Raise a Gin for Gem. So far, it has raised £750.

Liz Fussey, from Brain Tumour Research, said: “We have been deeply affected by the news we had been dreading that Gemma had passed away. She had been so positive and inspiring ever since her diagnosis four years ago.

“We are indebted to Gemma and her parents and brother for all they have done to raise awareness of this devastating form of cancer.”

Before Christmas Gemma’s sons Dylan and Noah visited St Helena Hospice to deliver presents for patients, which were collected by Essex Police.

The brothers also gave vouchers for the hospice to buy some luxuries for patients.

Donate to the swimmers’ appeal at https://bit.ly/2Ri4yEE.