St Albans family to walk 73 miles for girl who died from brain tumour

Emily Smith was just eight years old when she was diagnosed in July 2022, and sadly died two months later.

Her mum, Sarah Smith, said:  “She died in our arms on the August 8, 2022. The physical pain of our hearts breaking was like nothing we had ever felt before.

“Emily was incredibly bright, creative and loved playing her piano. She was a graceful ballet dancer, talented at drama, hiking, swimming and climbing.

"She was a kind friend to many and a loving daughter and sister to her older brother, Harry. She was the sunshine in our family.”

The children in happier times. (Image: Tom's Trust)

Since the tragedy, the family have found some comfort in walking, a pastime Emily always enjoyed.

That's why they've decided to walk the 73-mile Cumbria Way in her memory, with the aim of raising money for brain tumour charity Tom’s Trust.

The Cumbria Way begins in Ulverston, on the southern edge of the Lake District national park, and ends in Carlisle in the North.

The Smith's will begin their mission on August 10 - two days after the second anniversary of Emily's death.

The family have been training for their walk (Image: Tom's Trust)

Dad Andy Smith said: “It can be really hard to look forward to things and find true joy when our lives have been so unfairly torn apart by brain cancer.

"We hope to find some solace in getting up in the mountains and that bit nearer heaven, to feel close to Emily.

"We will be trying our absolute best, so I guess we look forward to finishing the walk, knowing that we are making our girl proud of us all."

Andy and Sarah will be joined by their son Harry, as well as Emily's auntie, uncle and younger cousins Fred and Barnaby.

Emily and Harry with cousins Barnaby and Fred. (Image: Tom's Trust)

Tom's Trust is the only dedicated charity for children with brain tumours and their families.

Debs Mitchell, co-founder of Tom’s Trust, said: “It was losing our son Tom to a brain tumour that highlighted the desperate need for proper mental health support to be given to families facing a brain tumour, including during the devastating bereavement process that sadly a third of these families have to endure.

"Emily was clearly the most wonderful little girl, and we are so thankful to Sarah, Andy and Harry for supporting us in her memory. We are so honoured to be able to help them during the most difficult time for their family.”

You can support the fundraiser by visiting justgiving.com/page/andy-smith-1720032478822.