The memorial parade for Lauren Stewart through Creeting St Mary and Needham Market on Saturday

A POIGNANT parade took place through a town to pay tribute to a “bright and bubbly” show groom who tragically died from a brain tumour.

Lauren Stewart

Fifteen horses took part in the ride through Needham Market on Saturday, joined by family and friends of Lauren Stewart, who lost her brave battle aged just 19 earlier this year.

As well as celebrating Lauren’s life in her home town, the event raised hundreds of pounds for the Brain Tumour UK charity, with local people and businesses generously donating money and raffle prizes.

Lauren, a former Stowmarket High School pupil, was diagnosed with a brain tumour early this year and died in May.

She was a talented horse rider and show groom who worked at the Alistair Hood show yard near Diss.

Her family, including parents Tracey and Glen and brother Ryan, joined the memorial day, which saw horse riders gathering at Creeting St Mary Village Hall before parading down Needham’s High Street to The Swan pub to have a drink in Lauren’s memory.

The event was organised by Lauren’s friends and colleagues, including Debbie Harrison-Knights, Katie Clark, Ceri Ward and Annie Roper.

Miss Roper said: “It was a fantastic day, a wonderful tribute to Lauren. There were an awful lot of people in the High Street watching us come through and I think every single person put spare change in our donation buckets.

“The cars were very patient too. It is a busy road and we held up the traffic but we held up placards saying what we were doing and everyone was great, very kind and supportive.”

The group stopped off at the Swan and were allowed to hold their horses in the beer garden as they shared memories of Lauren and collected money for the raffle. A donation bucket was put at the bar to “buy a drink for Lauren”.

Local businesses in Stowmarket and Needham Market donated generous prizes to the raffle, which was thought to have raised £400 alone. About £1,500 was raised overall.

“Lauren’s family would just like to thank everyone who supported the day, it really was amazing,” said Miss Roper. “It was important to raise money for Brain Tumour UK and raise awareness of the symptoms involved so people can get help sooner.

“It was too late for Lauren and it all happened very quickly. But everyone has said they never heard her moan or looking miserable, despite how she was suffering.

“She was always bright and bubbly and an inspiration to everyone.

“She was such a strong character and we will continue fundraising in her name.”