Walk a tribute to '˜much-loved' aunt who died in road crash

Kelly Steele will be setting off on the London Marathon Walk on September 24 in memory of her aunt, Heather Steele.

A dedicated cardiac nurse, Heather passed away after a traffic collision on the Belfast Road, Carrickfergus in August 2014.

The 53-year-old, originally from Greenisland, had worked in London for a number of years before returning to her home town.

Her niece will be raising funds for the road safety charity Brake during the London event.

“Heather was a much loved family member and a highly regarded nurse who always put everyone before herself,” Kelly said.

“She started her career at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast before moving to the Royal Brompton in London.

“Heather had recently done some work in Nigeria with the Save a Heart Foundation team. She put her career on standby to return home and care for my grandmother - something she had done years before for my grandfather.”

The money raised from the event will go to Brake, a national charity supporting road crash victims through a helpline and support literature.

Brake also campaigns for safer streets and engages communities and schools in road safety awareness.

The fundraising walk will run in tandem with the 26 mile route of the marathon across central London.

It will pass some of the world-famous sights including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Eye and the Tower of London.

Lisa Kendall, Brake’s community fundraising manager, said: “We greatly appreciate support from Kelly and we wouldn’t be able to continue our life-saving work without their help.

“Every penny raised will be put towards our work supporting families whose lives have been devastated by a road crash, and campaigning for safer roads.

“Brake is really keen to hear from people who would like to take part in fundraisers for us, whether it be running a marathon, 5K run or taking part in other fantastic events available.”

Anyone who is interested in supporting Brake can call 01484 559909.