A group of 34 runners is taking part in the Yorkshire Marathon to raise funds for a scholarship after the sudden death of a young Harrogate woman.

Ellie Kempley, who was a pupil at both The Grammar School at Leeds and Ashville College, died from arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) on September 16 last year.

Her family say her life was taken “without warning or reason” at the age of 22.

Before her death, Ellie was midway through an AMI Montessori 3-6 Diploma at the Maria Montessori Institute – following her dreams of working with children.

Now, her brother Ben has gathered a team of runners to complete this year’s marathon to raise enough money to fund The Ellie Kempley Scholarship.

The bursary will cover the full tuition of a student, or students, on the course Ellie was unable to finish.

Ben said:

The group, formed by Ellie’s closest friends and family, as well of her boyfriend, Ryan, have already raised more than £10,000 and hope to raise a further £6,000 to put their plan into action.

The members have been training for the marathon for 10 weeks and are dotted across the globe in England, Australia and Japan.

Some are seasoned runners, while others are complete beginners.

Ben added:

The Yorkshire Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 15.

Donations can be made via the GoFundMe page.

Read more:

• Masham woman sets up fundraiser for bus driver involved in fatal A61 collision


• Son of Leeds United legend raises funds to beat his own cancer