TWO loving sons have helped to raise £23,000 in memory of their doting mum.

Oliver and Toby Coan are set to take on their biggest challenge next month as they bid to swim 7.5km to raise even more money for Ovarian Cancer Research.

Their mum, Aleasha Coan, died suddenly in 2015, aged 32.

She had previously been diagnosed with ovarian cancer which was only detected after a voluntary hysterectomy.

She survived but after her diagnosis, the driving instructor vowed to raise money for research into the disease as well as to raise awareness of it.

Halstead Gazette: aleasha

And to date, the boys, along with friends and family, have completed dozens of fundraisers in her memory.

Dad Robert said: “She supported the charity before she died and she was adamant she wanted to raise awareness of it.

“She suffered from ovarian cancer, although that is not what killed her.

“At the time, nobody knew what was wrong with her so she actually elected for a hysterectomy and it was only then when they discovered her diagnosis.

“If she hadn’t asked for it, the cancer would have certainly killed her.”

The police inspector added: “She threw herself into it and it was very important to her.

“Other matters took over, of course, and she tragically left us.”

But her sons, Colne Community School students Oliver, 14, and Toby, 12, were determined her plans would live on.

The 43-year-old, of Elmstead Road, in Colchester, added: “The boys are always asking me about what they can do next.

“They are just like her in that regard - always wanting to help and that’s completely down to her.

“I know she would be so proud of them - I’m incredibly proud of them. They are my sons but they are my little mates as well.”

He added: “I suppose they could do a bit more round the house but people who meet them are always saying what great boys they are, so I suppose I can take that on the chin.”

This year alone, the boys, friends and family have raised more than £3,000. Next month the boys, along with pal Sam Loader, 12, plan to swim 7.5km between them in the Leisure World pool, in Cowdray Avenue, Colchester.

Mr Coan added: “Oliver has done 2.5km before and I think Toby’s done 1.25km so it will be a big step up for them but they’re absolutely determined, just as Aleasha was.

“It’ll be tough all right but I really believe they’ll do it.”

To donate to the boys’ fundraising, go to aleasha.coan.muchloved.com.