A GP surgery team is to run the Race For Life 5k in memory of a colleague who died from cancer.

Foundry Healthcare in Lewes is taking part in the Cancer Research event in tribute to nurse Jo Ganpatsingh, from Brighton, who had a rare and aggressive form of cancer and died July last year aged 49.

Jeanette Anning, lead practice nurse, said: “She was one of those people that walked into a room and lit it up.

“She was such an inspiration to everyone and she made everyone feel special. She was a huge part of the organisation.

“Even though she was serious she was very funny and she was so bouncy and had such a good sense of humour. She was always smiling”

Michelle Whatford, friend and colleague of Jo, said: “The biggest thing with Jo was fun. During the Covid clinics, she made everyone feel so welcome. She’d just run along and give you a hug.”

The surgery has so far raised £1,900 for Cancer Research ahead of the charity run, which is on May 26 in Eastbourne Sports Park. They can be sponsored here.

Michelle, dementia and frailty care co-ordinator, said: “It’s very emotional and it's going to be emotional for everybody. It’s about who you are running for.

“We really miss Jo and some days you can cope with it, this week it's been difficult. But I'm happy to be doing it.”

Jeanette said: “We’ve got to do it and be strong because she was always so strong. We all loved her so much and miss her terribly. When we’re walking we'll all be talking about her and sharing memories.”

Jo lives on through her four children, Athena, Xanthe, Lex and Salvy. Inspired by Foundry Healthcare, they will also be running in the Race For Life for their mum and have so far raised £2,885.

The surgery team consists of doctors, nurses, admin staff, care co-ordinators and reception staff. They also organised a memory walk last October for Jo in Brighton and Hove as a way of “getting together and sharing memories of her”.