Charity to support those affected by cancer set up in tribute to Longton sportswoman

Emma Aindow-Gregory, Lancashire sportswoman.

A charity to support those affected by cancer has been set up in memory of a sportswoman from Longton.

Emma Aindow-Gregory’s family worked to set up a charity following her passing in 2023, aged 49, after living with stage four bowel cancer for four-and-a-half years.

The Orange Foundation was established in tribute, to help others living with cancer.

Emma was a keen sportswoman from Longton.

Michael Gregory, founder and Emma’s husband said: “Quite simply, orange was Emma’s favourite colour, and in some cultures, orange represents a new beginning. This is why we decided on the name. Emma was a warm, positive, and dynamic woman. She was also passionate, assertive, and fiery, and the colour represented her perfectly. She was a proud and protective mum, a fantastic wife, a loving daughter, sister and aunt, and a loyal friend.

“Anyone who knew Emma described her as a tornado of positivity and an inspirational woman. She was an incredible fell runner completing very challenging marathons and ultramarathons, but her passion was her Gypsy Cob, Henry who was her sanctuary.

“Emma faced her cancer head-on, but was, at times, she became understandably frightened and scared of the future. But ever the athlete, she knew her cancer diagnosis was a race she wouldn’t win. She is so greatly missed.

“We established The Foundation to remember Emma, but also to help many people like her who are living with the disease.”

The Foundation will focus on funding five key areas which are patient advocacy services, scans or consultations that will help speed up the delivery of treatment, talking therapies for patients and family members, cosmetic treatments and accessories and contribute to some cancer treatments which aren’t always available on the NHS.

They have recently welcomed their first fundraising event. Garth Dew, family friend and Lancashire filmmaker is set to run the Kendal to Preston 50-mile ultramarathon in aid of The Orange Foundation.

Garth has already smashed his target of £2,000 before he sets off on 11 May.

Garth who is running the ultramarathon in Emma's memory. — Garth who is running the ultramarathon in Emma’s memory.

Garth said: “I decided to run this race for a cause, choosing The Orange Foundation to support the charity and to pay tribute to Emma, who herself was an exceptional ultra-runner and inspiration to all.

“I considered several good causes, but what I like about The Orange Foundation is its focus on giving people practical and impactful help; there are people around me who are living with cancer, and I wanted to do this to help others cope better with the disease.”

To commemorate what would have been Emma’s 51st birthday this year, the Foundation is planning its first annual event on 25 October at Preston North End, ‘The Orange Masquerade Ball’.

Michael added: “Towards the end of Emma’s life, she was adamant that everyone she loved should live their best lives and that everyone should make the most of the time we have.

“We hope by establishing the Foundation, we can help others live their best lives and make the most of every minute.”

To find out more you can visit their website.

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