THE mum of Ellesmere teenager Ella McCreadie, who tragically died from a brain tumour, says a walk on Saturday in her name is hoping to raise £20,000.

Ella’s Army, a charity set up in her name, is joining forces with Aaron’s Army, the charity set up in memory of Flintshire boy Aaron Wharton, who also died from a brain tumour, on September 30 for a walk from 10am.

With a day of celebration of both youngsters afterwards, Sophie Penrose, Ella’s mother, says the Walk of Hope is a way to help Brain Tumour Research, a UK charity, boost their work into the tragic illness.

“We’re coming together to do it in Ellesmere, where we live and we’re very lucky because the Oteley Estate is letting us walk the whole route of the Mere,” she said.

OTHER NEWS:

“They own the other side of the Mere that’s not open to the public and they’re kindly opening that up which we’re grateful for.

“We are hoping to raise £20,000 for Brain Tumour Research because it is so underfunded.

“We’re making it into a fun day after the 5km walk in Cremorne Gardens, with entertainment, stalls, lots of local singers have come forward to take part and fun for the kids with bouncy castles and inflatables.

“I’ve been so overwhelmed in the whole eight months or so since Ella died by the community, which has been amazing.

“We are stunned every day and we get messages every day of help.

“And now we found out it’s not just our Ellesmere Primary School and Lakelands in Ellesmere where Ella attended, but Cockshutt, Weston Rhyn, Criftins and St Martins primary schools all want to get involved.

“They will be fundraising on Friday to help us reach our target and that’s absolutely phenomenal and people need to know how amazing they are.”

Sophie added that the event is open to people after the walk too, for anyone who cannot make it and still want to donate.

And she added the day will be a celebration with Aaron’s family who have supported one another in the months since Ella passed away.

She added: “We’re going to have a registration table as well because though we’ve done our best to get it out there, not everyone will know so they can sign up on the day.

“We’ve got more than 550 people signed and it’s £10 for adults, £5 for 11-17 and a pound for 10 and under and everyone taking part will get a medal.

“Doing this with Aaron’s family has been a comfort to us – I know of no-one who has been through this so to have Nicola (his mum) to talk to is a comfort.


Get in touch

Share your views on this story by sending a letter to the editor. To get in touch email nnews@whitchurchherald.co.uk, or fill in the form on this section of our website.


“She’s an amazing lady and it’s a comfort to know we’re not alone and it gives us strength to know we support them too.

“Ella would have really loved anything like what we’re doing on Saturday.”

To register online, head to https://www.braintumourresearch.org/fundraise/walk-of-hope/organised/registration-form and select Walk of Hope Ellesmere.

A registration table for on-the-day registrations will be a Cremorne Gardens in Ellesmere.