Turquoise T-shirts, glitter face paint and broad smiles - this was how friends chose to celebrate the extraordinary life of breast cancer campaigner, Laura Weatherall-Plane at the Plymouth 10k.

A former teacher at Stowford School in Ivybridge, Laura lost her life to cancer in May this year after an eight-year battle. Her friends from Devon Fit Camp wanted to raise money in her memory in a way that was fitting for the person she was.

Claire Morgan Hughes from Devon Fit Camp said “She was an amazing beacon of light and brightened everyone’s day. She was a true inspiration to all of us at DFC, all those she taught, in her fundraising and in living life to the full.” Turquoise was Laura’s favourite colour.

Laura was an ambassador for CoppaFeel!, a breast cancer awareness charity that promotes early detection of breast cancer. She campaigned tirelessly to encourage women to check their breasts throughout her own battle with the disease. Her cousin Jade Popplewell, who was also diagnosed with breast cancer, credits Laura with making her aware enough of the early signs of the disease to spot it in time to receive life-saving treatment.

Laura inspired many who met her by her determination to continue campaigning even through chemotherapy and her worsening health. She won a Pride of Plymouth award and was named as one of the Fabulous Women of The Year in 2014, alongside celebrities like Beyoncé and Emma Watson.

Founder of CoppaFeel!, Kris Hallenga who trekked with Laura across Peru to raise money for breast cancer published an open letter to her friend in The Sun in June this year. She said: “We will learn from your life. We will channel your sense of humour and laugh harder than ever. We will use your powers of persuasion to carry on spreading our life-saving, boob-checking message.”

She added: “The CoppaFeel! family will fight harder to ensure this doesn’t happen to others.”

The team from Devon Fit Camp ran, jogged and walked around the Plymouth 10k route in warm October sunshine. Claire said: “It wasn’t about getting a fast time, it was all about getting out there, remembering Laura and her amazing legacy. It was an emotional day for so many reasons, we wanted to make Laura proud and carry on her good work.”

The team has raised £701 to date and there are plans to raise more in 2018. For details visit: goo.gl/bEqXtK.