Walking the peaks in tribute

A family hiked many miles to raise cash for charity after the sudden death from a heart attack of a loved-one.

Emma and Phill Sims-Hall completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks and Day in the Dales event for Heart Research UK after Emma’s father, John, died unexpectedly in July last year.

The couple, who live in Birstall, were joined by 14 other family members at the event.

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Some climbed the Three Peaks – Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside – while others tackled a 15k Valleys Walk or took part in a 5k Nature Trail.

After finishing the challenge Emma, 35, said: “It’s been an amazing experience, a great opportunity to support a wonderful charity while remembering a man that’s left a hole in all of our hearts.

“We wanted to do something to support a charity that was having an impact on heart research.”

John Sims, who was 70 when he died, was a retired electrician living in Drighlington and was a keen member of the Birstall angling club Longbottoms, which is also supporting the family’s cause.

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His widow Gill was at te Heart Research UK event, taking Emma and Phill’s two-year-old son Jacob around the nature trail.

Emma’s twin sister Kelly, other sisters Becky Pritchard, Lisa Hepworth and Karen Horner and their families, as well as a host of friends, also took part in the walks.

Travel insurance product manager Emma noted that the Three Peaks event was also around the anniversary of her father’s death.

“We know how the money raised will be used to fund further research, and we know Heart Research UK has done a lot of work with children, which is important to us. Dad’s grandchildren were a big part of his life,” said Emma.

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At the time of writing, the amount of funds that the online donations page set up by the family had achieved was £1,540.00.

Eighty generous people have put towards the fundraising efforts.

To support Emma and her family’s cause, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/ourhero

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