The family of a woman who died from leukaemia – and the nurses who cared for her – took on a gruelling mud running event, raising more than £4,000. 


Laura Beare, from Weymouth, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in November 2015.


She was cared for on the Durlston Ward at Poole Hospital before her death in July last year, aged 47.


Laura’s wish was for her family to raise as much money as possible for the ward that cared for her. 


Her husband John, daughter Vikki and 25 other family members, friends and nurses formed the team ‘Braving it for Beare’ to take on the Dirty Devil Stampede in Bovington on Sunday.


Vikki said: “Everyone had a whale of a time.


“It’s important for us to raise money for Durlston Ward, most importantly because one of my mum’s final wishes was that we raise as much money as possible for them. They showed such support, passion and care throughout her time at the hospital, not just to her, but to our family as well. 


“We personally wanted to raise money for the ward as we now recognise first-hand that cancer can affect anyone of us. A kettle in the kitchen or a camp bed for relatives to sleep on is important - but they cost money to provide. “


The team has raised more than £4,000 so far and there is still time to donate. 


John, 55, said: “It was fantastic. There were 27 of us taking part and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. We finished in two hours - though we got wet and very muddy.”


Bustinskin’s Dirty Devil Stampede takes about 1,000 runners around the tank training ground at Bovington Camp.


Braving if for Beare came first in each of the event’s categories – 5k, 10k and 15k. 


“It was a great day,” said John. We’re all still buzzing from it. We’ve raised a lot of money and I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part, everyone who supported us and everyone who donated. I’d like to say thank you to the nurses - and that’s for everything.


“Cancer care could be needed by any one of us, or, by our friends or family at some point. The treatment is tough and that’s why this is so important.”


There is still time to donate. Visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com and search for ‘Laura Beare’ under ‘Make a donation.’