Charity to be set up in a tribute to Claire Squires

A charity is to be set up in tribute to Claire Squires, who died during this year's London Marathon.

Claire's family and close friends are aiming to launch the registered charity, called the Squires Effect, within the next few months.

The name has been chosen to reflect the wave of generosity which swept the nation following the news of her death.

Claire, a 30-year-old hairdresser from Great Bowden, near Market Harborough, collapsed a mile from the marathon's finish line in April. Paramedics battled to save her life, but she died at the scene.

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Within days, more than 45,000 people, shocked by the news of the tragedy, had pledged more than £1 million pounds on Claire's Just Giving page – which she had set up to raise cash for the Samaritans.

One of Claire's sisters, Nicola Birrell, 32, from South Kilworth, said: "The name of the charity reflects the effect that Claire's death had on the public, and how people got behind her charity and managed to raise so much money. It was amazing.

"We want that effect to carry on so we can raise more money for charity.

"Claire was an amazing person and if she wanted to do something, she would put her mind to it and just do it – no matter what.

"She was so motivated, nothing got in her way, and we want people to be inspired by that and realise their goals."

Claire's family and friends hope to organise various fund-raising events in the charity's name as soon as an initial fund-raising drive reaches £5,000.

That will be boosted on Saturday, when a family fun day takes place at Market Harborough Rugby Club.

The event has been organised in aid of The Laura Centre, a Leicester charity that helps families deal with bereavement.

Already, more than 600 of the £3 tickets have been sold for the event.

Maxine Holmes, a sister of Claire and one of the organisers, said: "We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of local and national companies sending us prizes for the event.

"We've even had prizes sent from abroad.

"We will have a silent auction with lots including a 52in, 3D plasma TV, signed photos by the stars of The Only Way Is Essex, and a One Direction signed montage and a signed Tigers shirt."

Maxine said popular children's character Peppa Pig would be attending the event, too. There will be other entertainment for children and music by groups, including the Stereosonics.

A balloon release will end the day's events.

Tickets can be bought on the day or by calling 07968 831499, 07977 835228 or 07725 746141.