Dozens of people made their way to Coate Water Park on Saturday to walk, run and raise money in memory of a much-loved Swindon woman.

Sabrina Moccia was just 33-years-old when she died suddenly at the end of January last year.

The former employment coach had battled with diabetes and doctors said it was a factor in the cardiac arrest that led to her sad death.

Inspired by Sabrina’s drive and determination and keen to remember her in the most powerful way, her family set up a charity in her name aimed at supporting others with diabetes in the Swindon area.

In their first year, the charity managed to raise £6,000 which has been spent directly on helping local people and organisations improve the quality of life for diabetics.

The money helped fund a Doppler foot scanner, a nurse certification at Carfax Clinic, and a year’s Swift Food Course at the Great Western Hospital to help newly diagnosed patients learn how to eat healthily.

At the last event in February, Sabrina’s mum Luisa, who has been spearheading the charity work, handed over a cheque for £2,200 to the team from GWH.

Luisa said: “This will be used to pay for a continues glucose monitoring device with sensors.

“Patients wear it for a week and it helps those struggling with diabetes as it gives continuous readings for the specialist nurses to assess.

“They can see patterns and when things and going up and down more clearly.

“GWH has not been able to offer this service to patients for the past 18 months.”

When Luisa and her family first decided to establish a charity in Sabrina’s name, they knew they wanted to help local people in the same way she had so enjoyed doing.

But it came as a surprise to them just how much help is really needed.

The hospital, a place where you might think funding for small scale equipment less of an issue, has been one of their most grateful recipients.

But without the support of friends, family and former colleagues, the efforts of Luisa and others would come to nothing.

Sunday would have been Sabrina’s 35th birthday and her mum said she would be thrilled with the continued support that people are showing.

“This is what the Sabrina’s Mile charity is all about,” said Luisa.

“Sabrina would be so proud.”

If you would like to support the charity’s continued efforts to fund diabetes care in Swindon, you can visit www.sabrinamoccia.org