Sterling sum in memory of much-loved mum

the husband of the late Sally Roberts says she would have loved the “spirit of fun” with which a group of friends have gone about raising funds in her memory.

The Sid Valley’s Rally For Sally has so far netted nearly �7,000 for the Force cancer charity and Children’s Hospice South West.

Mum of three Sally, of Fortescue Road, died of cancer in January aged 52. A group of twentysomething pals, including Sally’s son Sam, began fundraising soon after.

Their activities have included posing for a Calendar Girls-style naked calendar, organising a summer fun day, and a sponsored walk along the Jurassic Coast.

This week Sally’s husband Jeremy, the former principal of Sidmouth College, paid tribute to the group’s efforts.

“I’m very touched and moved they have gone to so much trouble and effort,” he said. “Everybody’s effort has been fantastic.

“Sally would have loved the spirit of fun in which they have conducted the whole thing – it would have touched her too.”

Nearly 90 people braved monsoon conditions to attend an auction dinner at Sidmouth Sailing Club in November that raised more than �2,000.

Prizes included rugby boots signed by England star Matt Banahan and signed photos from racing driver Jenson Button.

The Rally for Sally has so far netted �6,929 and counting.

One of its organisers, Hope Brodie, said her highlight was a “moving” balloon release for people to remember their loved ones that was held at the summer fun day.

Hope issued a “huge thank you” for all the goodwill shown to the group’s fundraising efforts.

“The help we got for the event back in the summer at the rugby club was indescribable, and the support and donations the boys got on the walk along the Jurassic Coast was amazing.

“Thank you to all those who donated prizes for raffles, the auction lots that were given and all the hard workers who helped pull this year together. None of this would have happened without all those special people.”

Naked calendars are still on sale for a limited time at Taste, Polka, Upper Crust and Sambatis – or they can be ordered by emailing hopebrodie@hotmail.co.uk.