Siblings walk 30 miles around Portsmouth in memory of brother they never met to support British Heart Foundation

SIBLINGS honoured the brother they never met by walking 30 miles on the 30th anniversary of his death.
Belinda Dickins
By Belinda Dickins
Published 9th Nov 2020, 17:05 BST
Updated 10th Nov 2020, 12:12 BST
Members of the Gumbrell family walked 30 miles in memory of son and brother Callum, who died at just one week old. Pictured: Jeff, Lucy, Mackenzie, Katie and Julie GumbrellMembers of the Gumbrell family walked 30 miles in memory of son and brother Callum, who died at just one week old. Pictured: Jeff, Lucy, Mackenzie, Katie and Julie Gumbrell
Members of the Gumbrell family walked 30 miles in memory of son and brother Callum, who died at just one week old. Pictured: Jeff, Lucy, Mackenzie, Katie and Julie Gumbrell

Lucy, Katie and Mackenzie Gumbrell have grown up hearing about their parents’ eldest son Callum, who died after one week due to an incurable heart condition called hypoplastic left ventricle.

Callum, who was born on November 1, 1990, would have turned 30 this year - and the trio wanted to mark this occasion and support British Heart Foundation.

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The siblings trekked 30 miles around the Portsmouth area in 11 and a half hours on Sunday, along with mum Julie, cousin Jonny Spade, and friends and family who joined in.

Members of the Gumbrell family walked 30 miles in memory of son and brother Callum, who died at just one week old. Pictured: Lucy, Mackenzie and Katie GumbrellMembers of the Gumbrell family walked 30 miles in memory of son and brother Callum, who died at just one week old. Pictured: Lucy, Mackenzie and Katie Gumbrell
Members of the Gumbrell family walked 30 miles in memory of son and brother Callum, who died at just one week old. Pictured: Lucy, Mackenzie and Katie Gumbrell
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This challenge came about after plans to complete the Great South Run were put on hold and the family still wanted to raise funds.

Lucy, 27, said: ‘Think how much our world and economy have advanced in those 30 years, yet still children are dying. There is no cure for this syndrome.

‘We can’t give presents or cards, so we decided we would raise money for the British Heart Foundation in his memory.’

Members of the Gumbrell family walked 30 miles in memory of son and brother Callum, who died at just one week old. Pictured: The book of remembrance with Callum's nameMembers of the Gumbrell family walked 30 miles in memory of son and brother Callum, who died at just one week old. Pictured: The book of remembrance with Callum's name
Members of the Gumbrell family walked 30 miles in memory of son and brother Callum, who died at just one week old. Pictured: The book of remembrance with Callum's name
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The group passed Portchester Crematorium, where Callum’s name features in the book of remembrance, as part of their route.

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Katie, 24, added: ‘My mum and dad are the strongest people I know for having the courage and strength to pull through such a devastating time and I am so grateful that we can stand by their sides every day, every year to ensure he is never ever forgotten.

‘I am so proud of my family for everything they have done over the years to help raise money for the British Heart Foundation, and I am so proud to be a big part of that now.’

This challenge was so moving for Waterlooville residents Julie, 53, and Jeff, 56, because their children continue to think about Callum even though they never met.

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Julie said: ‘We cannot begin to explain how proud we are of the wonderful, kind, thoughtful and loving individuals our children are.

‘Just because someone isn’t here it doesn’t mean we have to stop talking about them or remembering them or marking what an impact they made on our lives and hearts, even if their time with us was brief.’

The family has raised nearly £4,000, visit gf.me/u/yw5u7k to donate.

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Related topics:British Heart FoundationPortsmouthPortchester Crematorium

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