Thousands of pounds have been raised in memory of a young woman who lost her life to cancer.

Rachel Lane, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, passed away in October last year aged 27.

Her family set up the Rachel Lane Fund to help local cancer charities.

Rachel's friend, Michelle Gant, took part in a spinathon – eight hours of back-to-back high intensity spinning classes at the Oasis – to raise money for the fund.

Mrs Gant, a team leader at Alan Boswell insurance brokers, said: 'A lot of our clients sponsored me and staff at the Oasis have been brilliant. They helped to raise an extra £100 by selling copies of the EDP and Evening News.

The 45-year-old, who lives in Thorpe St Andrew, intended to raise £500 but people had already pledged £1,300 before she took part in the spinathon.

'I thought £500 was a big target. A few people who had lost family members wanted to donate money.

'One of the gym members, Geoff Woods, took part in the spinathon for six hours with me and he raised £200. Amanda also took part for an hour.'

Including Gift Aid, Mrs Gant raised more than £2,200.

Rachel's brother, Nick, said: 'Michelle has raised more than anyone else in a single charity event.

'People used to say that Rachel would light up a room. She was a warm and funny person who was a big kid and young at heart.'

He said his sister was a positive person who was determined to beat cancer.

Rachel's sister, Amanda, said: 'Rachel inspired so many people. She wanted to help people around her and it's why so many people want to carry on doing things for charity. She just loved people.'

Rachel, who lived in Barnham Broom Road, Wymondham, was a torchbearer in the Olympic torch relay through Aldeburgh.

As well as playing her part in the Olympic festivities, she also raised thousands of pounds for the cancer charities Keeping Abreast, Big C and Wymondham-based Star Throwers, which supports and advises people affected by cancer.

To contribute to the Rachel Lane fund visit /www.mycharitypage.com/TheRachelLaneFund