'We hope we made you proud': Thousands raised for family of late Royton mum-of-four

The community of Royton has rallied around the family of Rebecca Shaw, a 36-year-old mother of four who died from cervical cancer last October, raising nearly £8,000 through a grueling fitness challenge in her memory.

Friends and family gathered at HyFit HQ gym in Diggle for Matthew Lees' annual 'Leg it for Leesy' event, where participants worked out or ran 5k on the hour, every hour, for ten straight hours. The challenge saw dozens of people push themselves to help Rebecca's husband Graham and their children Archie, Heidi, Alfie, and Lottie.

Rebecca was diagnosed with stage four cervical cancer in March 2025, just months before her planned wedding. Her close friend Vikkilee Henson described the fundraising day as 'one of the days you could bottle up forever,' with participants completing 10k runs despite the physical challenge.

The money raised will help cover living costs for the family and fund Rebecca's dream holiday to Tenerife. Matthew Lees, who has now raised over £35,000 for bereaved families through his annual campaign, praised the emotional turnout and the family's participation in the event.

The JustGiving page remains open for donations, continuing the community's support for a family who lost their wife and mother far too soon. The event demonstrates how Royton and Saddleworth residents come together in times of tragedy, turning personal grief into collective action.