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23

Sept 2023

Last Updated: 22/09/2023
Community
Community

Group to run marathon in memory of ‘wonderful’ young Harrogate woman

by Flora Grafton

| 23 Sept, 2023
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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:

"She was incredibly passionate about children, had graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in childhood studies, and had worked part-time at Rigg Farm Montessori Nursery.
"It was always her dream to educate, inspire, and care for young people.
"By sponsoring teachers in her honour, we can do just that."


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:

"She was an absolutely wonderful person: infinitely selfless, thoughtful, and kind.
"We would therefore be incredibly grateful for any donations - little or large - to our cause."


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

Donations can be made via the GoFundMe page.




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