A FUNDRAISING event is taking place in tribute to much loved 22-year-old Jemima Friend, who passed away earlier this year.

The former pupil Minchinhampton Primary, Deer Park and Stroud High pupil died at home in Brimscombe on February 3 after being diagnosed with leukaemia two years ago.

This month, Jemima would have been 23 years old, but her memory lives on in her memorial fund, which helps give hope to others with blood cancer.

Family and friends set up a campaign - called Jemima's Life Line - and more than £26,000 has been donated so far.

And on September 18 the team will be celebrating Jem's life and helping to give hope to others with the same condition.

They will be hosting a hugely fun quiz, pie and pint night at Stroud Brewery, to which everyone is welcome.

Money raised from the evening will go to Anthony Nolan, a charity supporting people with blood cancer.

Before she passed away, Jem bravely underwent two years of treatment, including a stem cell transplant organised by Anthony Nolan.

To book tickets to the event, visit https://www.facebook.com/jemimaslifeline

Jemima was in her first year of university, studying history at Goldsmiths in London, when she fell ill.

Her mum Julie said she was extraordinarily brave throughout the different treatments she faced.

“Even when she knew she didn’t have long to live, Jemima was determined to make the most of the time she had left.”

From her early years at Minchinhampton Primary School, and then later at Cirencester Deer Park, Stroud High sixth form and beyond, Jemima made many friends throughout her life.

She was a popular member of Minchinhampton Pony Club, and played for Stroud Hockey Club.

While studying at sixth form, Jemima worked for Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and the Crown & Sceptre in Stroud, as well as Stroud Brewery, raising money for her gap-year travels.

“She then went inter-railing throughout Europe, and travelled around South East Asia and New Zealand with good friends,” her mum, Julie, said.

“She loved the outdoor life, and particularly enjoyed island-hopping, trekking, and bungee-jumping. She also valued the opportunity to explore the historical sites in Cambodia and Vietnam.

“But she loved the party atmosphere of the whole trip, too. Jemima was gregarious, fun loving and had so many friends.

“She fitted a great deal into her life.

“Just before Christmas, she was sewing hearts as decorations that she sold with a friend from a stall at Stroud Brewery craft fair.”

During the course of her illness, Jemima was looked after by the haematology team and critical care at Cheltenham General, the Edward Jenner unit in Gloucestershire Royal, and Bristol Haematology and Oncology Hospital. She also received a stem cell transplant, assisted by UK charity Anthony Nolan.

“The level of care Jemima received was outstanding,” said Julie.

“We are so grateful. Even during these times of Covid, none of that treatment was compromised.

"However, we know that charities are struggling in the current climate. Jemima was aware we would help celebrate her life by raising a sum of money towards another patient being able to undergo a stem cell transplant.”

To book tickets to the fun quiz, pie and pint night at Stroud Brewery on September 18, visit https://www.facebook.com/jemimaslifeline

To make a donation visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/jemimaslifeline