A GROUP of friends, family, colleagues and strangers came together for one reason on Sunday July 7, to support the fight against cancer.

They joined forces, organised by Amelia Dowse from Able2achieve to celebrate the life of founder and former CEO Rupert Elliott. Able2achieve offers supported living for people with learning disabilities, autism and associated disorders and mental health challenges in Devon and Somerset.

Fit2Run members Marika Elliott and Sandra Wedden led the 10k runners in for their team of 12 and Vanessa Williams led the 10-strong team of 5k runners home. The route was beautiful but undulating, passing by some well-known houses featured in the TV show Bridgerton.

Together the team raised over £3,000 for Cancer Research and it was particularly special for experienced runner Marika, and founder of the running group Fit2Run, to have her daughters Amelia and Poppy take part in the run. If any readers would like to add to the pot, the link is:- https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/team/able"achieve-running4.

A quintet of F2R girls were then out in force at the local ‘Otter Rail and River 10k’ on Saturday 13, which is a scenic off-road event that starts and finishes on the village playing field at Tipton St John.

Amy Rawson led them home (61.43), followed by Becky Abbott (68.36), Vanessa Zalman (70.19), Alison Richards (70.56), and then came Helen Flint (74.40) and Lydia Hayman in her first 10k event (75.08).

Every finisher received an Ottery beer for their efforts!