A sponsored run involving nearly 40 friends and family members of an Ipswich mum who died from a brain tumour is gathering momentum.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ruth Mehmed with daughter Lydia, which is on the backs of the shirts of the Running for Ruth participantsRuth Mehmed with daughter Lydia, which is on the backs of the shirts of the Running for Ruth participants (Image: Archant)

Ruth Mehmed, 34, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in January last year after showing “stroke-like symptoms” on a ski holiday with husband Danny.

Having taken her to hospital, doctors found the cause, and operated on the tumour – on the date of daughter Lydia’s first birthday.

However, Ruth’s year-long treatment was not enough to beat the condition, and she died on December 6.

Last month, Ruth’s husband Danny and his brother James announced they would be joined by dozens of friends and family to run Ipswich’s half marathon in September for charity, including friends from as far afield as New York joining the pair.

East Anglian Daily Times: Bench has been installed in Chrictchurch Park in memory of Ruth Mehmed who died in December from a brain tumourBench has been installed in Chrictchurch Park in memory of Ruth Mehmed who died in December from a brain tumour

Danny and James had originally targeted £500 for a bench in Christchurch Park where two-year-old Lydia could go to remember her mum, but the project has snowballed with more than £5,700 having been raised for Brain Tumour Research.

The bench was installed earlier this week, with more runners having joined to bring the total to nearly 40.

James, 41, said: “It’s just grown and grown with more people wanting to sign up, and the thing that’s really interesting is you have runners who have run at a very high level and people who are now learning to run so you have a great mix of people getting involved.”

In Ruth’s memory, the team will be running with her image on their T-shirts. The group will then be having a private party in her honour at the Arcade Tavern, with the bar putting on a limited edition beer to donate to the cause.

James said: “Everyone is now really focussed and it could be quite an emotional day – but we are all looking forward to doing this for Ruth.”

Danny added: “Ruth would be really proud. I think she would be embarrassed by the images of her on the shirts, but people who I haven’t spoken to for a while have been coming and saying they want to do the running which is great.”

To donate to the Running for Ruth cause, visit gofundme.com/msc9uk