An Ipswich woman has launched an organisation to promote peace in the wake of the brutal killing of a soldier in London.

Marina Keohane was so incensed by the death of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich last month that she vowed to do something to make a difference.

Taking the lead from a group called Woolwich Strong, Mrs Keohane decided to launch Ipswich Strong and a peace march is due to take place this weekend. The aim of the organisation is to make a stand against terrorism and extremism.

The 44-year-old carer from Clapgate Lane, said: “Like most of the country I was upset and angry about what had happened. I was looking for a way to vent what I felt and came across Woolwich Strong.

“I thought about setting up my own group but was scared at first that people would try and say I was racist. It’s not a racist organisation– anyone is welcome to come on the march. I decided to set it up because I thought this was a way we can have a voice. This could have happened anywhere, including Ipswich.”

Ipswich Strong has already attracted 70 “likes” on its Facebook account and around 200 people are expected to attend the march in Ipswich on Sunday.

Ms Keohane added: “We want the march to be peaceful. We have been in touch with mosques in the area so they can have a broad picture of what we are doing. We have respect for people in our country. We think the backlash against Muslims and mosques is terrible.”

Any money raised from the march will be going to various charities, including some to help rebuild the mosque in Grimsby after it was targeted.

The event, which is one of a number taking place across the country on the same day, begins from Lloyds Avenue at noon and finishes at the cenotaph in Christchurch Park, with a five-minute silence to pay respects to all fallen servicemen and women.

A wreath will also be laid and a prayer of peace will be said.

Drummer Rigby was killed in the street near his army barracks on May 22.

Michael Adebolajo, 28, from Romford, East London, and Michael Adebowale, 22, from Greenwich, south-east London, have been charged with murder. Both remain in custody.