Ella was just 13 when she died in her sleep from an undiagnosed brain tumour in December 2022, and a first walk in her memory was held last year. More than 700 people took to the banks of The Mere and walked through the Oteley Estate, helping raise more than £40,000 for Brain Tumour Research. Mum Sophie Penrose says the 2024 edition will take place on Saturday, September 28 from 11am and will take in more of the stunning Oteley Estate.
“The preparations are well underway,” she said. “The walk this year is much the same as it was last year but we are doing something different this year too. “We’re still going through Oteley Estate, with their permission, but this year, we’re going to be around the gardens which are absolutely beautiful.
“We didn’t see any of that last year as we just walked through the farm, back along the drive and then onto the road. “But this year we asked if we could see more of the beautiful scenery because not everybody has and Oteley have just been incredible with us. “They’re going to open up the pop-up café there so if people want to stop halfway around they can do.
“It’s very much going to be chilled – you can take the route through the gardens but if that’s too long then you can take the normal route – it’s entirely optional. “The theme is pretty much the same as last year with some entertainment, with food and drink too, and we are doing it just as Ella’s Army this year too.” Sophie admitted her desire that the ‘Walk of Hope’ become an annual event in the town but said that while fundraising is an integral part of the day, she will always walk for Ella.
She said: “We want to do it to remember Ella – for us, all of her friends, all to remember her and also raise much-needed funds too. Share your views on this story by sending a letter to the editor. To get in touch email , or .
“Last year, it was about remembering her and any money raised alongside that is a massive bonus and that is how it is for me. “I want to walk in memory of her and if we raise money then that’s a bonus for the charity.” To register, head to https://braintumourresearch.
org/products/fundraise-ellesmere-walk-of-hope-registration-2024.
