Friends, family and colleagues came together in memory of a mum of three who died from secondary breast cancer at just 54.

Wendy Aitken, who worked at Betteshanger Country Park near Deal and previously modelled for Debenhams, sadly died on April 2 last year.

A colour run challenge through the country park’s army assault course was organised by the mum’s friends and former colleagues to raise money for charity Breast Cancer Now in her name.

The event, held last month, saw brightly coloured dye decorate the hundreds of participants as they made their way through the 30 challenges that make up the BOONIES course.

Wendy, who was mother to Jess, Sam and Ellie, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and during her fight was chosen to be the face of a campaign with Debenhams for a new range of lingerie for breast cancer survivors.

In 2023 she received the devastating news that the disease had spread and she died from a secondary cancer the following year.

Wendy was part of the Betteshanger team until 2023, working inside The Lamp Room restaurant.

But colleagues say she remained ‘a friend of the park’ and a frequent visitor with her family and beloved dogs after she stepped down from her role two years ago - while partner Henry still works there serving ice creams and refreshments from Moore Delights.

Wendy’s daughter Ellie opened the Colour Assault Course Challenge on May 25, also taking part in the first race.

She was joined by other close family, many of whom came in pink or tops decorated with Wendy’s name.

Park manager and Wendy’s friend Tyler Christy said: “Before I stepped into the park manager role, I was food and beverage manager and worked with Wendy daily in The Lamp Room.

“She became a friend – we would laugh every day we worked together and I’ll never forget her infectious smile.

“To be able to host this event in her memory, and with the support of her family, was a real honour. I am so pleased it was a huge success and raised vital awareness and funds for the charity.”

The event saw 690 participants take part - raising over £5,300.

Kerry Banks BEM from Breast Cancer Now said: “It was my absolute pleasure to work alongside Jay at Boonies and Tyler at Betteshanger Park to deliver such an incredible event in memory of our friend Wendy.

“Being on the finish line giving out the medals was extremely emotional as many share their stories about why they were taking part along with a number of people sadly going through treatment.

“Although advancements in breast cancer have come on immensely, there is still so much to do to reach our vision that by 2050 people will get breast cancer, however they will live and live well.

“Events like this bring us a step closer to that vision.”