The friends and family of a River woman who died from a rare form of bone cancer in September has set up a charity in her memory.

Zoë Martyn, 23, of Valley Road died suddenly on September 12, 2014 from Chordoma cancer which affects the bones at the base of the skull and spine – there is only one case per million a year.

She was diagnosed in 2012 - and the Mercury previously reported that she had aspirations of being a dance teacher and that she “never let her illness stop her doing what she wanted.”

The Snowflake Foundation - for the love of Zoë - focuses on raising money for three main charities and causes.

Proceeds from fundraisers go to Chordoma UK to fund essential research to find a cure, the Pilgrims Hospice in Canterbury who cared for Mrs Martyn and to help under-privileged young adults puruse a career in performing arts.

Husband, Andrew Martyn said: “The whole point of the charity is to make sure Zoë’s fight wasn’t in vain.

“When she was ill and needed treatment a lot of people helped us out in many different ways, and I know I will probably never be able to thank them all and pay them all back, so I really wanted to pass the gesture and good will on however I could.

'All it does do is just give us all a little bit of peace among all the sorrow.' - Andrew Martyn

“All it does do is just give us all a little bit of peace among all the sorrow.”

Her mother, Lisa Bishop, who works at Green Park Primary School, said: “Soon after Zoë died we realised that her fight and determination to survive should never be forgotten.

“When Zoë was born her sister could not say Zoë but use to call her Snowy. As she got older her sister would call her Snowflake.

“It seemed so perfect to use in the name.”

A group of friends and relatives took part in the Boxing Day dip in Dover and Folkestone to raise money for the charity.

Before Christmas, Green Park Primary School held a collection and donated money from its refreshments stall at the carol concert.

Mrs Martyn was a teaching assistant at the school before her diagnosis and her younger siblings still attend.

Mrs Bishop continued: “There are lots more things planned and so many of Zoë’ s family and friends are taking part in the events.”

The charity has its own Facebook page where events are promoted and pictures are displayed.