A couple from Nailsworth is more than halfway through a challenge to walk over 1,200 miles for charity, following the death of their 15-year-old daughter from brain cancer.
Amelie, who was 14 when diagnosed with a Diffuse Midline Glioma in March 2025, died four months later in July. Her parents, Tara and Matt, began walking from Land’s End to John O’Groats in her memory and will be joined by Amelie’s friends and a teacher as they pass through Gloucestershire.
Tara, who has walked more than 900 miles so far, said her daughter was “full of life” and very sporty, and had suggested a walk across the length of the UK before her passing. She added: “I feel like we have this gift now of life and we need to be living it, seeing the sunrises. We set off a week after the funeral. Putting one foot in front of the other. It’s all just been tremendously helpful in figuring out what’s just happened to us. She was just full of life and full of energy and loved doing things.”
The family has a history of enjoying long walks together, a pastime that now underpins this charitable journey. Their efforts have received recognition from Sir William Romney’s School headteacher, Will Ruscoe, who described the walk as a “great tribute” to Amelie’s “determination and resilience.” He added: “She brought so much to the school, academically, on the sports field, in the music studio, at performances – she is dearly missed everyday. Any research that can go into this terrible disease is going to make a difference so it’s wonderful they’re raising money for charity.”
To date, Tara and Matt have raised £20,799.67 towards their £30,000 target for Abbie’s Army and Acorns Children’s Hospice. They hope to reach Land’s End in early January, continuing to honour Amelie’s memory through each mile of the journey.
Their walk serves both as a tribute to their daughter and a commitment to supporting research and care for children affected by serious illnesses, demonstrating resilience and purpose in the aftermath of personal tragedy.
