Friend and family of Claire Reed gather in Eastleigh

More than 70 runners gathered Fleming Park Golf Course in Eastleigh in memory of acountant Claire Reed.

The 22-year-old, from the town's Sandmartin Close, collapsed and died in March while celebrating at a friend's hen do - just five months after marrying her husband Andy.

The RSM Tennon employee and former St Mary's College head girl, who had completed the weekly run several times, is believed to have died of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS).

Her loved ones and colleagues lined up in T-shirts in her favourite colour pink bearing her image and the banner for the Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) charity which campaigns to raise awareness of the condition.

The crowds and Park Run regulars gave Andy a round of applause as he outlined his family's dream to raise £3,500 towards the cost of organising a SADS screening clinic for 100 youngsters in the south.

The event raised more than £1,100 towards their goal and Andy, 26, said: “I feel so proud at how many people are here showing their support for Claire.

“She was a fit and healthy person and this is something that often strikes people who are healthy.

“It was so fitting to do this in her memory and I am sure she is up there somewhere cheering us on although she would be laughing that all the men are wearing pink.”

Her father in law Colin Reed, 57, who had taken part in a practice run before the big day, said: “Everybody's been fantastic, it's just a wonderful feeling to see so many people turning up for Claire and we will be thinking of her on the way around.”

Spectators clapped and cheered as the runners made three laps way around the 5K course while relatives manned a CRY stand with balloons and sweets.

Friend Richard Maiden, 30, from Caernarvon Gardens, Chandlers Ford, said afterwards: “Claire was such a friendly and bubbly, lovely girl and it's been a fantastic effort by everyone to remember her.”

To make a donation go to justgiving.com/5kforClaire