Following in Ella's footsteps: Family run in memory of Corby schoolgirl
Ella Walden's family are taking on a half marathon for a charity close to her heart
The family of a Corby teenager who tragically died earlier this year are coming together to take on a half marathon in her memory while raising money for a charity that supported her through her own grief journey.
Ella Walden died on April 7th, aged 13, following an incident involving an e-bike in Elizabeth Street, Corby. She was taken to hospital but sadly died a short time later.
Ella's stepdad, Phil Jones, her brother Drew Walden and other family members will come together to take on the Amazing Northampton Run Half Marathon on September 13th in her memory.
Following in Ella's footsteps
After losing their father several years ago, Drew and Ella received support from The Never Alone Project, a Northamptonshire charity that helps bereaved children and their families cope with grief.
Last year, Ella completed the run in memory of her dad. This year, her family are continuing the legacy she started by raising money for the same charity in her honour.
Phil said: "I agreed to run it with her this year," he said. "We were going to run it together so she wasn't alone."
On his fundraising page, her brother Drew said: "I am raising money in memory of my little sister Ella who tragically died this year.
"My sister and I used The Never Alone Project after losing our dad. Ella ran in honour of my dad last year, this time it is my turn."
The Never Alone Project provides support groups, one-to-one support and activities for bereaved children and families across Northamptonshire, helping them feel less isolated while navigating grief.
The girl who lit up every room
Phil described Ella as an "inspiration" who left a lasting impression on everyone she met. ''She was funny, kind and caring,'' he said.
"It's too quiet without her."
He added: "As soon as you walked into the room, you could feel her presence there. She was just full of smiles.''
Reflecting on their close relationship, Phil said Ella and her brother felt like his own daughter and son. He added that Ella held such a special place in his life that he sought her blessing before asking her mum to marry him.
A lasting legacy of support
Nicky Cook, from The Never Alone Project, said the family's fundraising effort was a powerful tribute to Ella and demonstrated the charity's lasting impact.
She said: "The fact that they want to do this not just for Ella's memory, but also in support of the charity and all of the work that it does, is huge and it's wonderful."
She added: "Ella was a wonderful, bright young woman and she will always be a part of The Never Alone Project."
Recalling the support his stepchildren received from the charity, Phil said: "They helped them with their grief and made them feel heard and understood."
He added: "It's just a good charity because there's not that much support for kids who have lost parents."
The family hope their fundraising efforts will help ensure other bereaved children and families can continue to access that support.
With the half marathon approaching, Phil said thoughts of Ella would keep him motivated every step of the way.
"She'd be saying, 'Come on, keep going, keep going, not long to go'."
More information about the fundraiser can be found on Phil's JustGiving page.