More than 35 people came together to walk a half marathon in Wokingham in memory of their "much loved and brilliant" friend and colleague, Laura - raising £8,000 for charity.

Laura de la Pascua, aged 50, was cared for in her final days by nurses at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading towards the end of last year.

It followed her diagnosis of a rare form of cancer called lymphomatoid granulomatosis.

Wanting to do something to celebrate her life, her work colleagues at Dell Technologies, alongside family and friends, decided to organise the walk whilst giving back to Sue Ryder.

Sandrine Leroux-Graves, from Finchamstead, worked at Dell Technologies with Laura and helped to organise the walk.

She said: “When Laura moved to Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, I had the opportunity to go and visit her a few times.

"It was my first experience of visiting a hospice and I was apprehensive, but I didn’t need to be.

"Laura was at peace and so well looked after, and I know she was so appreciative of having that space to share with her family and friends."

The walk took place on January 20 in the area where Laura lived in Wokingham, with notable spots including Simon’s Wood in Crowthorne where Sandrine and Laura used to walk their dogs together and the Greyhound pub where they met when Laura interviewed at Dell. 

Sandrine added: “Laura’s husband Gerald and some of Laura’s friends also joined us for the walk, giving us a great opportunity to all get together and remember our friend and colleague.

"Laura was a much loved, brilliant, and loyal team member, she was known for her strong sense of responsibility, perfectionism and above else, for her caring and supportive nature. This was our way to remember Laura and give back to the cause who helped her so greatly.

"We’ve raised £8,000 in total, which will be very valuable to support others in their final stage of life. We're thrilled to have been able to give something back to Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in honour of our friend."

Gerald de la Pascua, Laura’s husband, said: “I was very pleased that Sandrine and team organised such a lovely event, and grateful to her and all at Dell Technologies and her friends who joined in to raise such a good amount for Sue Ryder. We are very grateful for the care Sue Ryder gave to Laura in her final days.”