A Tameside teenager is taking on one of the toughest challenges of her life in memory of her younger sister, who died aged just five.
Ava Marsland, 16, will complete a 5km Tough Mudder featuring more than 20 obstacles at Cheshire County Showground on October 10, raising money for Lila’s Light, the charity she and her parents established in memory of her sister Lila.
Lila died on December 28, 2023, aged five, just 17 days before her sixth birthday, after developing meningitis.
Now, Ava is determined to turn the heartbreak of losing her sister into something positive by helping other children facing the loss of someone they love.
Lila’s Light was created by Ava and her parents to support bereaved siblings and families, ensuring children are not forgotten while their families deal with grief.
Ava said: “I truly believe to lose a sibling is one of the most difficult and painful forms of loss there is.
“It’s the person you’re supposed to grow old with, do all the hard things with and experience a childhood with, and when that is ripped from you it’s as if your childhood is also ripped from you.”
She said that while the world continues moving after someone dies, children and young people can sometimes be left without the support they need.
“But when someone passes away, the world doesn’t stop and wait for you to figure it out,” she said. “It is harsh and sometimes, and especially with the passing of a child, siblings are often left less supported than they should be.”
That is something Ava hopes Lila’s Light can change.
The charity provides bereavement bags for children, including age-appropriate support for younger children and teenagers, helping them understand and process their grief.
Ava said the charity has so far raised around £33,000 to support children and families experiencing bereavement.
“That’s why at Lila’s Light we are dedicated to ensuring siblings are not forgotten during bereavement,” she said.
The Tough Mudder is Ava’s latest fundraising challenge, with every donation from her fundraiser going towards the charity’s work.
Her GoFundMe page currently has over half of the £200 target raised.
Ava said: “To raise funds to carry on supporting siblings I will be doing Tough Mudder. This is a 5k run with 20+ obstacles.
“I lost my baby sister, Lila, in 2023. We didn’t get the chance to grow up together like most siblings do. Instead, I’m living my life for the both of us.”
Lila’s Light has continued to grow since Lila’s death, with the family determined to ensure her memory helps other children facing the same devastating experience.
The charity’s work includes providing specially designed bereavement bags containing age-appropriate resources to help children understand and express their grief.
For Ava, completing Tough Mudder is not just about taking on the physical challenge.
It is a way of keeping her little sister’s memory alive and helping other bereaved children feel less alone.
Ava said: “We felt as though we had to carry on her legacy and by doing that we provide bereavement bags for children.
“We’ve raised £33,000 to support children through one of the worst heartaches there can be.”
Those wishing to support Ava’s fundraising can donate through: https://gofund.me/e8d477d8a