A HEREFORDSHIRE family have joined hundreds of others at a special event in London to remember a much-loved relative.
The Joyce family, from Weobley, between Leominster and Kington, joined the CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) Heart of London Bridges Walk to raise money for the Kieran Joyce Memorial Fund that they set up in 2019 through the charity.
Kieran died in his sleep from a previously undiagnosed heart condition, in September 2019. He had no signs or symptoms that anything was wrong.
He was a Year 11 pupil who was popular, well-liked and an active member of the community.
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Earlier this year, around 150 young people were screened by CRY’s specialist team at Weobley High School, thanks to funds raised in Kieran’s memory.
Kieran's mum Andrea, who walked through London alongside friends, family and 800 others, appreciated meeting other families who had suffered similar heartache.
Mrs Joyce said: "When you first walk in and see all the picture of young adults on the big screen with messages from their families, you could feel the emotion. I realised that I'm not on my own.
"Everyone was so friendly. It made me realise how many families have also gone through the same thing and how important it is to create awareness and keep fundraising."
Chief executive of the charity, Dr. Steven Cox said; "The Heart of London Bridges Walk is the most important event in our year, bringing families and friends together from all over the UK to remember the person who meant so much to them and died so suddenly.
"There are so few occasions for families to participate in an event on this scale, this really is a day just for them."
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