A Stevenage woman who has raised almost £10,000 in memory of a close friend who died from cancer has been chosen as the latest winner of the Comet-backed Roaring Meg Community Heroes initiative.

The Comet: Marie Judd pictured on the right with Claire Shepherd, who died from cancer in 2014 at the age of just 31.Marie Judd pictured on the right with Claire Shepherd, who died from cancer in 2014 at the age of just 31. (Image: Archant)

Marie Judd set about raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support after her friend Claire Shepherd died from the disease in 2014 at the age of 31.

Two years on, the 38-year-old will receive a £100 cheque in recognition of her fundraising efforts thanks to the Roaring Meg retail park in Stevenage.

Marie said: “Claire never once complained or said ‘why me’ – she was incredibly strong, brave and inspirational.

The Comet: Comet Community Heroes Logo 2016Comet Community Heroes Logo 2016 (Image: Archant)

“Claire also liked to donate regularly to Macmillan Cancer Support – it only seemed fitting for me to continue supporting them in her memory.”

Email communityheroes@thecomet.net to enter someone.