The mother of a 17-year-old girl who died earlier this year has started a race which was dedicated to the teenager.

East Anglian Daily Times: Hundreds of runners took part in a race in memory of Charlotte Cobbald. Her mother, Hilde Cobbald, set off a basket of white doves in her memory.Hundreds of runners took part in a race in memory of Charlotte Cobbald. Her mother, Hilde Cobbald, set off a basket of white doves in her memory. (Image: Archant)

Charlotte Cobbald collapsed at the family farm in Acton, near Sudbury in August. She had been a promising runner with the Stowmarket Striders.

On Sunday, her mother Hilde started the Scenic 7 race in Stowmarket, which Charlotte ran herself last year, by releasing white doves. Her father Stephen also attended the event organised by the Stowmarket Striders.

Mrs Cobbald said: “We were overwhelmed by the kindness and gentle compassion with which we were welcomed by Stow Striders, the runners, and everyone involved at the Scenic 7 event.

“We were able to follow the route as we did last year, when Charley ran, cheered on the runners and remembered Charley’s infectious smile as she passed saying ‘thanks mum, thanks dad.

“Thank you striders for your wonderful support for our beautiful daughter, and allowing us to be with you all again this year.”

Charlotte, a former Ipswich High School for Girls student, died after a long battle with depression and anorexia.

A two-minute silence was held on the day.