A FUNDRAISER which represented England in a worldwide event raised more than £1,500 for a cancer charity in memory of a woman who “lived life to the fullest.”

Braintree Swimming and Fitness Centre hosted England’s Aquathon last weekend, where over 40 participants donated to charity and took part in the classes.

The event was held in memory of Karen Stokoe, and it raised £1,560 for Marie Curie with the Aquathon classes and a raffle.

Karen fought a brave battle with a brain tumour for 12 years, before she passed away at the age of 39 on April 15, 2017.

She was athletic and ran a marathon just months before her diagnosis, and even while undergoing chemotherapy, Karen stayed active and joined Sarah Windibank’s Aqua Aerobic class and a Pilates class at Braintree Swimming and Fitness Centre.

Memory - The Aquathon was held in memory of determined and lovely Karen Stokoe Memory - The Aquathon was held in memory of determined and lovely Karen Stokoe (Image: Lynn Stokoe) Sarah became great friends with Karen, who took part in and helped run the annual Aquathon.

This year, Sarah ran the Aquathon in memory of Karen alongside her parents, Lynn and Roger.

Sarah said: “I absolutely love doing the Aquathon—it’s for Karen.

“Karen was such a character. She was such a lovely lady, and she was the life and soul of every event, every party.

“We used to hold mini gatherings at my house and Karen would always be the first to arrive and the very last person to leave.

“It didn’t matter what anyone said, she lived life to the fullest.

“It’s about keeping her memory alive.”

Team - Fitness experts Fiona (left) and Sarah (right) lead the Aquathon with Lynn and Roger Stokoe (centre). Team - Fitness experts Fiona (left) and Sarah (right) lead the Aquathon with Lynn and Roger Stokoe (centre). (Image: @anjioldphotography) She added: “Thank you to everyone who came and supported the event, and to Braintree Swimming and Fitness for hosting the event because without them and the pool we wouldn’t be able to host it.”

Sarah has taught aqua aerobics for 28 years and has been a tutor for 14 years.

The Aquathon offered different types of aqua aerobics including shallow, deep, aqua jog, Zumba circuits, and aqua strength.

Aqua - There were 40 participants in the Aquathon which featured a variety of aqua activities Aqua - There were 40 participants in the Aquathon which featured a variety of aqua activities (Image: @anjioldphotography) Sarah said: “The Aquathon is also about introducing aqua aerobics to different ages and different abilities.

“It’s great for people with injuries, but it’s also hard work using water with the resistance and strength training, and it burns calories.”

Over 80 countries took part in this year’s worldwide aquathon, with Braintree Swimming and Fitness Centre representing England.

To view the pool’s timetable for aqua classes, visit www.fusion-lifestyle.com.