When you work every day to develop a cure for cancer, you know that what you’re doing is worthwhile. But when your friend and colleague dies of the disease, it really hits home.

That’s exactly what happened to the team in the University’s Division of Pre-Clinical Oncology after Professor Sue Watson — who had devoted her life to cancer research — died of breast cancer last November.

The death of Professor Watson rocked the Division and that’s why, six months on, they’ve marked her passing with something positive; by raising money for the very thing that she dedicated her life to.

A team of 25 women from the Division took part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life on Sunday 10 June at Nottingham’s Victoria Embankment.

Suzy Underwood, research technician, said: “It seemed like the ideal opportunity to raise money for something important that concerns what we do and for it to have a special meaning this year. It brings it home to you that it can happen to anyone and how important our research is in the department and people like Sue directing that research.”

Anna Grabowska, Acting Head of the Division of Pre-Clinical Oncology, added: “Sue was such a big influence on us and all of our careers. And, of course, her main area of research was cancer which is what the charity supports. It’s important to remember her but it is also an important charity and validates to us the importance of the research we do.”

The team has already raised around £1,000 but you can still donate at their sponsorship page: www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/pre-clin-onc

The Sue Watson Cancer Fund has been set up in her name to support young researchers working to discover new cancer treatments. To make a gift to the fund, please contact Ashley Flint on 0115 951 3627 or send a cheque to Campaign Office, The University of Nottingham, King’s Meadow Campus, Lenton Lane, Nottingham, NG7 2NR.

Prof Watson, who was in her late 40s, studied and worked at the university for almost 30 years as a PhD student, research fellow, lecturer, reader and since 2002, a professor. She published more than 135 articles on cutting-edge research and developed new treatments for cancer.

In 2010, Prof Watson, who was married to Chris and had two daughters, Gabby and Maddy, established the Ex Vivo Pharmacology Centre of Excellence. Another achievement was to establish a company specialising in bridging the gap between research and industry. She also served on several cancer research committees both in the UK and Europe. Colleagues said one of her greatest legacies was to inspire and enthuse staff.