A family is set to walk 73 miles along The Cumbria Way in memory of their daughter /sister / niece / cousin who died of a brain tumour at the age of just eight. Emily tragically died in August 2022 within two weeks of her diagnosis after an MRI revealed she had a brain tumour. The family will be raising money for Tom’s Trust, who’s clinical psychologist has supported them since Emily’s diagnosis.
The Cumbria Way begins in Ulverston, on the southern edge of the Lake District national park and ends in Carlisle in the North. The walk will start on Saturday 10 August, two days after the second anniversary of Emily’s death and finish seven days later. Joining Emily’s mum Sarah, dad Andy, and brother Harry (13) will be her Auntie and Uncle, Caroline and Johnny, and two cousins Fred (11) and Barnaby (8). The hiking team will also be supported by Emily’s Nana and Grandad.
Emily, Harry, Fred & Barnaby
Sarah, Emily’s mum says: “We have found walking helpful since Emily died. We loved family walks and spending time in the Lake District when we could and we feel a real connection to her, doing something we know she loved. Having something like this to plan and train for has given us a real focus and purpose, whilst keeping Emily very much at the forefront of what we are doing.
“We have such fond memories of holidays in the Lakes, and the route the Cumbria Way takes weaves past many favourite spots of ours. Colwith Force, Skelwith Bridge and Elterwater were places we often went to, to see the waterfalls. We also have some trees planted in Memory Wood and the path goes right past them. It’s such a special place with stunning views over the fells we have climbed. We really feel Emily’s presence there.”
Andy, Emily’s dad says: “It can be really hard to look forward to things and find true joy when our lives have been so unfairly torn apart by brain cancer. We hope to find some solace in getting up in the mountains and that bit nearer heaven, to feel close to Emily. We will be trying our absolute best, so I guess we look forward to finishing the walk, knowing that we are making our girl proud of us all. It will be a particularly impressive achievement for the boys as it’s a very long way for little legs.”
The family on a training walk
Fred and Barnaby’s mum, Caroline said: “Emily was the most wonderful little girl who adored rabbits, reading, Harry Potter, playing the piano, tree climbing and the mountains. Barnaby shares Emily’s love of rabbits and animals and they played ‘animals’ every time they were together, Barnaby often talks about that. Fred and Emily shared their wonderful passion for reading and mountain climbing, always talking about Harry Potter and their favourite books. Fred always says how much he wishes he could run around with her again, clambering over rocks and the water in the Lake District.
“It is utterly heart-breaking to see how much the boys miss her. Life will never be the same again. We are so proud of them both for taking on this challenge in memory of their cousin, it’s a long way for little legs walking through hills all day, every day for a week, is no mean feat.”
Emily with her brother Harry and cousins Fred & Barnaby
Fred and Barnaby’s dad, Johnny says: “Emily was a huge part of our family, and we all miss her so much, we all use the phrase ‘be more Emily’ to have a positive outlook and always be kind, as this is how Emily lived her life. The boys have focused their energies on fundraising with Emily’s brother Harry, as well as pointing out rainbows, rabbits and anything yellow – Emily’s favourite things. The Lake District holds a special place in our hearts as we have explored lots of the mountains and lakes together. The boys want to make Emily proud by completing this challenge and raising funds and awareness for Tom’s trust who have given invaluable support to her family.”
The family want to raise as much as they can to help other families needing clinical psychological support following a diagnosis of a brain tumour. As well as the much-needed funds, they also want to raise awareness of how crucial this support is for families like them, and particularly the bereavement support.
Sarah adds: “The support we have received from our Tom’s Trust clinical psychologist has been immeasurably helpful, guiding us to try and make sense of our world without Emily and to know how we can best support each other and Harry.”
Debs Mitchell, Co-Founder of Tom’s Trust, said: “It was losing our son Tom to a brain tumour that highlighted the desperate need for proper mental health support to be given to families facing a brain tumour, including during the devastating bereavement process that sadly a third of these families have to endure.
“Hearing stories like these only motivates our team further to ensure all families receive the support they need. Emily was clearly the most wonderful little girl, and we are so thankful to Sarah, Andy and Harry and their family for supporting us in her memory. We are so honoured to be able to help them during the most difficult time for their family.”
Donate to Sarah and Andy’s fundraising page here: Andy Smith is fundraising for Tom’s Trust (justgiving.com) and Fred & Barnaby’s here: Jonathan Meeson is fundraising for Tom’s Trust (justgiving.com)
Read more about Emily and her family’s story here.