The devoted friend of a Stevenage mum who died two years ago after a battle with breast cancer has been inspired to raise just shy of £10,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The Comet: Marie Judd and Claire ShepherdMarie Judd and Claire Shepherd (Image: Archant)

Marie Judd set about raising cash after Claire Shepherd passed away, aged just 31.

The stay-at-home mum of one from St Nicholas, who runs a business selling women’s fashion and accessories, first set a modest £300 target, asking for raffle prizes and items to sell from some of her clients.

But as donations poured in, she smashed the target so successfully she was named in the top one per cent of fundraisers on the JustGiving website last year and is now closing in on £10,000.

She said: “Claire was an inspiration to me, she was selfless, determined and never once complained.

“I hope should I ever suffer with this dreadful disease I will have this same outlook and positivity.”

Marie, 38, a former nursery nurse, met Claire when she took four-month-old son Oliver on a farm trip arranged by the St Nicholas Children’s Centre. Claire and her baby daughter were also on the trip and the pair hit it off straight away.

Marie said: “We had so much in common, it was like we were sisters.

“Our partners were from the same part of South Africa and we spent many days out together as families.

“I only knew Claire for 18 months before she was taken from us. She never got to see her daughter’s second birthday.

“It may only have been a short time, but I have so many wonderful memories of our time together and I am proud to call her my sister.”

Now Marie is appealing for help to reach her £10,000 target. She added: “I would urge anyone to help fundraise for a cause close to them – every single penny helps. It makes you realise how many people are suffering from this cruel disease, but also the amazing work Macmillan does to support them.” Visit www.justgiving.com/Marie-Judd to donate.