A prominent member of Norfolk's running community has died at the age of 44.
Melissa Baker, a Parkrun regular and member of Norwich Road Runners, died last month, just over a year after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Her partner, Philip Nicholson, vowed to make sure her memory lived on in those she loved, including her daughter Georgia.
“Messages of strength from family and friends over the last few weeks have been so incredible and very welcome," he said.
“Words of such fondness for Mel - a girl who loved spending her time at home, happy with what she has achieved, but also so very happy while out in the world having adventures, having fun, a chance to show everyone that amazing smile and most of all, giving the most amazing love.”
She spent her younger years firstly with her father, Robert, then with her grandparents in Hall Lane, Drayton, while her teenage years were spent between Cawston and Drayton.
Robert described her as “a cutie” but added young 'Melly' could be “very mischievous” while recalling times filled with fun and laughter.
Mel found a love of horses, something that remained with her throughout her life with her horse Abbie, who is still going strong today. She also discovered a passion for fast cars.
In a eulogy read out at her funeral, Mel was described as “extremely driven” and “very independent”.
She enjoyed many trips to Europe, including to Hungary, where she had family.
She visited Budapest most years, firstly with family and in later years taking Georgia on her own.
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Her relationship with Philip began in 2013 and the couple enjoyed many adventures, including some with the vast amount of friends that Mel made along the way.
Lots of these friends came about through the running and cycling clubs of which Mel was a member.
Mel’s passion for cycling and running started with Parkrun, and it took her across the UK and much of Europe, where she took part in marathons and ultramarathons.
She also had many different jobs that included working for herself, Havers Tyres, Sportlink and in the insurance industry.
She died on July 11 and her funeral was held on August 5, attended by hundreds of people including running and cycling friends who turned out in their workout gear.
AN OURPOURING OF TRIBUTES
Sportlink Specialist Sports, based in Taverham, paid tribute to their former colleague.
Posting on social media, they said: “Mel was a much-loved member of our team and the wider running community - known not only for her love of running, but for her kindness, warmth and wonderful sense of humour.
“Mel will be missed by so many - not least her friends at Norwich Road Runners and everyone she supported, inspired and ran alongside over the years.”
READ MORE: To read all obituaries and tributes join the Facebook group Norfolk's Loved & Lost
Norwich Road Runners described her as a “beloved member” of their family.
They said: “As a Road Runner, Mel touched so many of our lives and gave so much of herself to the club, our members and also the entire running community.
“You will hear us all speak fondly of Mel and the memories we have from all these years together and whilst we know she passed peacefully, we also know she fought with everything she had, surpassed every expectation given and did it all with her wonderful smile.”
Mel was a regular at Catton Parkrun, and helped support the event each week.
Organisers there said: “Mel was a huge part of the running community, a truly lovely person with a zest for life and an inspiration to many. She will be sadly missed but never forgotten.”
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