FAMILY and friends of a brave teenager who tragically died last year put on their walking boots to scale the Yorkshire Three Peaks in her memory on Saturday 20 April.
Holly Brand, who went to school at Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, lost her battle with pulmonary hypertension in June, aged just 15.
After Holly passed away on 29 June 2023, she lay at rest in a cold room, known as a Sunflower Room at Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley, where her family could visit her, giving them extra time to say goodbye.
An intrepid troop of 18 walkers, including Holly’s parents, decided to pay tribute to Holly’s life by climbing Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough – a total of 24 miles – to raise money for Derian House.
“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life – I have pain in places where I have never felt pain but it was worth every minute,” said Holly’s dad Kevin, 49.
“We didn’t know about Derian House until we needed them. Derian went above and beyond for us and Holly, I don’t know what we would have done without them. It’s a fantastic place.
“Holly stayed in a Sunflower Room for eight days – we never knew this was an option for us. We just knew we didn’t want Holly going into a morgue.
“The Sunflower Room meant we could spend more time with Holly. We brought all of her bedding, her own pyjamas, her pictures. We played her favourite music. I think a lot of people who haven’t experienced a Sunflower Room might think it’s unusual, because you don’t realise you want something like that until you’re in that situation.”
The Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in Holly’s memory was organised by close family friend Mick French, 50, of Leyland.
“It means a lot that Mick decided to organise the fundraiser for Holly, when we weren’t in the right place to organise anything like this at the time,” Kevin continued.
“We didn’t realise how popular Holly was until she passed. So many people have got behind the event, and some have gone beyond that. It was a fantastic achievement for everyone who took part.”
Mick French is an ex-colleague of Holly’s Dad Kevin and currently works alongside Holly’s brothers Jack, 29, and Ryan, 22, at safety equipment supplier Heskins Ltd, in Chorley.
“Holly’s passing has left a profound impact on those who knew her, and the pain of her loss is still palpable for her family and friends,” said Mick.
“It was absolutely awful thinking what the Brand family were going through. Such a tragic loss of a beautiful soul. The grief that has enveloped their family has deeply affected me, and it has made me realize the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing our loved ones. I went home after Holly’s news and held my children tightly that night.
“The Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge is an opportunity for us to come together, not only to pay tribute to Holly’s life, but also to raise funds for a cause that has been instrumental in providing care and support to families like the Brands. I live close by to Derian House and I think what they do there is incredible – they are angels.”
Holly Brand has also inspired her school, Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, to raise money for Derian House in her memory. They have so far raised a whopping £2,500, and continue to raise funds for the charity.
And the school’s principal, Claire Bailey, will be taking part in this year’s Dive for Derian to raise money for the charity, skydiving from up to 15,000ft.
Kerry Salmon, Community Fundraiser at Derian House, said: “It’s incredible to see that Holly’s life has inspired her family, friends and local community to get together and do something amazing.
“The challenge did not look easy – well done to everyone who made it to the finish line, it is a fantastic achievement and you should all be proud.
“Services are free for families, but it will cost £6 million to run services at Derian House this year. We rely heavily on the generosity our local community – just like all of Holly’s family and friends – to make sure we can continue to provide care for our families.”
Donate to the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in memory of Holly Brand: https://www.justgiving.com/page/1702321704231
Derian House, based in Astley Village, Chorley, cares for more than 400 babies, children, young people and their families from across the North West and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
