Nearly 100 runners to run in memory of Ruth for Great East Run in Ipswich

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

In January 2015, Danny Mehmed signed up for that year’s Ipswich Half Marathon, after wife Ruth died following a year long battle with a brain tumour.

The run had initially been to raise awareness for funding of brain tumour research and to raise money for a bench in her memory which daughter Lydia could go to in Christchurch Park to feel close to her.

From left to right: James Mehmed, Lydia Mehmed and Danny Mehmed. Danny and James will be joined by nearly 100 runners for the Great east Run in SEptember in memory of Danny's wife Ruth. Picture: NIGEL BROWN (Image: Archant)

But the ‘Running for Ruth’ campaign ended up taking on a life of its own raising around £18,500 for Brain Tumour Research, with 52 people including friends and family from as far afield as New York and Kidderminster running in her memory.

Now, after the Great East Run was confirmed to be taking place in Ipswich for the first time this year, Danny and brother James have decided to run in Ruth’s memory once again – already joined by 96 others running for Ruth.

Danny Mehmed with Ruth and Lydia (Image: Archant)

Danny, 42, said: “It’s overwhelming how many people came together.

“Within a couple of weeks nearly 100 runners signed up.

The bench installed in Christchurch Park in memory of Ruth. Picture: LUCY TAYLOR

“Ruth would be embarrassed such a big fuss was being made but she would be very humbled by everyone’s efforts.

Ruth’s father Rob Woolnough, 69, added: “We all miss Ruth so much but we really appreciate the support of everyone running in her memory.”

The group will be running with specially designed shirts in Ruth’s favourite colour, purple, with a quote from Ruth before she died adorning the front which says: “Be in love with your life, every minute of it.”

Strip Tees, designers of the shirts, will be donating £2 from each sale of the shirt to the runners, with funds raised going to the Brain Tumour Charity.

Danny’s brother James, 43, added: “It continues to be an issue.

“It’s still one of the least funded areas which is why continuing to raise awareness and money is important while keeping Ruth in our mind.”

To support the cause visit the online donation page here or the Striptees donation page here.

Alternatively text 70070 quoting TGER55 with one of the amounts £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10.