Niamh’s tribute to tragic cousin

Niamh Reynolds and her dog (shadow) did a sponsored walk for Macmillan Cancer and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance after her cousin died from sudden adult death syndrome and other family members died from cancer. Niamh with Maria Amos from Macmilan and Kerry Garner from YAA (and shadow). (D541B314)

Niamh Reynolds, a pupil at Earlsheaton Technology College, organised a five-mile charity walk from Heckmondwike to Ossett after her cousin Adam Wadsworth, 19, of Chickenley, died in February.

Niamh nominated two charities - Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Macmillan Cancer Support, which has helped two other family members who have died from cancer.

Niamh, her dog Shadow and dad Martin completed the walk in just three hours on March 17, and raised £331.

Niamh said: “We’ve had a number of deaths in the family recently and so I decided to do something to help. I’ve taken part in sponsored events at school before but this is the first time I’ve organised something myself.

“I didn’t have a target in mind but really wanted to make £300, so it’s been great to beat that.”

There are around 500 deaths a year from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome. Niamh’s mum Karen Reynolds, of Chickenley Lane, said: “Adam was a great lad and he and Niamh were very close.  “He was staying at a friends house when it happened, he turned blue and stopped breathing. His friend, his dad and paramedics all tried their best to revive him. It was such a shock, but I’m so proud of how Niamh has reacted with her walk.”

Niamh is now planning a second walk in July.