Twenty years ago, Sarah Hammond and her friends had stopped off for something to eat on their way back from a day trip to Southend when she was hit by a car.
Friends and family decided to hold a memorial fun run in her honour – and Sunday’s event at Newham Leisure Centre, where Sarah worked for seven years, marks two decades since the 24-year-old’s death.
Sarah was a keen runner who represented Newham and Essex Beagles in the 800m, and she and her boyfriend Andrew Clark were founders of East End Road Runners, based at the leisure centre.
Sarah’s sister Suzanne Sharp said: “Sarah was always ‘on the go ‘. She was a determined character who had an idea and did it.
“When we remember Sarah in our family it’s always with a smile on our face.”
She estimates runners have raised at least £85,000 for Barts Charity in Sarah’s memory over the past two decades, with £3,000 alone collected this weekend.
“Many of our runners have done all of the 20 runs, including mum Marie Hammond at 80 - an amazing achievement,” Suzanne added.
“It was a tremendous atmosphere, as over the years people have made last friendships through the race.”
Marie added that she wanted to thank the volunteers, marshalls and participants on the day, as well as those who donated from afar.
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