People close to Mariella have been inspired to fundraise for the Foundation set up in her name
Mariella Rose on a climbing trip; David Shaw and Jacob West, who wanted to do something meaningful in Mariella’s memory(Image: Family of Mariella Rose)
A group of people galvanised into action by the devastating loss of a 17-year-old East Yorkshire girl will be moving mountains later this month to honour her memory. Mariella’s Mountain Movers will strike out on September 26 to take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks.
The hikers are friends, family members, college pals and work colleagues of Mariella Rose, who tragically died on March 30 in a road traffic accident between her car and a tractor at Everingham, less than five minutes from home and on her usual journey to her part-time job. The teenager was two months off celebrating her 18th birthday and a packed Beverley Minster paid respects to the only daughter of Christine and Chris at her funeral.
The walking challenge was inspired by Mariella’s love of walking and her determination. The Mariella Rose Foundation, which the Three Peaks will support, was set up by her parents to provide help to young people aged 14 to 25 with dyslexia and those seeking a diagnosis through financial bursaries and a mentoring programme supporting them through school, college and the workplace.
Diagnosed with dyslexia when she was 14, Mariella was a champion and ambassador for the condition. Her legacy Foundation aims to raise awareness and understanding of dyslexia and the barriers faced by those affected, to help them to participate fully in education and the workplace.
Her mum, Christine, said: “Mariella’s Mountain Movers will take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks to help young people with dyslexia reach their full potential. The idea came from Mariella’s Askham Bryan College friends, David Shaw and Jacob West, who wanted to do something meaningful in her memory.
“It has grown into a group of over 20 challenge walkers. Aside from college friends, there are Mariella’s fellow Humberside Police Cadets from the Beverley Unit; colleagues from her employer McDonalds at Shiptonthorpe; school friends from her time at Melbourne Primary School and friends and a member of staff at The Market Weighton School.”
Christine said that for David, taking on the Three Peaks felt particularly fitting because walking was an important part of his friendship with Mariella. “The pair enjoyed walking together during college trips to places including Brimham Rocks and Almscliffe Crag, sharing the challenges, laughter and benefits of being outdoors,” she said.
David said: “Mariella and I really enjoyed walking together. She would definitely be doing the Yorkshire Three Peaks with me.
“Mariella had an amazing attitude; if we had an idea of a challenge like this, she would be the first to say ‘let’s do it’.” He said at the times the walk gets difficult, another of Mariella’s sayings will come to mind – “You have to do it – you don’t know if you will get the chance again.”
Jacob said: “Mariella was always very kind to me. I know that she was very supportive to David and a very good friend to him.
“I feel it is important to support David. He is going through such a difficult time and is struggling with a massive loss of such a good friend.
“I am excited about the challenge because it feels like I am part of something special, helping to raise money in Mariella’s name for her Foundation.” Christine said: “The challenge will celebrate Mariella’s life and friendships while helping turn the enormous sense of loss felt by those who knew her into something positive for other young people.
“The loss of Mariella has had a significant impact on the local community where she lived, was schooled, worked and volunteered.” Christine said: “The Mariella Rose Foundation is building Mariella’s legacy and the level of support has been unbelievable.”
Through a JustGiving appeal page and associated fundraising being organised in Mariella’s name, the total pledged has so far reached £3,300. “When I think of what Mariella would have thought of this, the picture that comes into my mind is this,” said Christine.
“Mariella was quite shy if people made a fuss of her and I would see that little smile, and a slight dipping down of her forehead and she’d be thinking, ‘that’s so lovely’. She would have been so humbled by it and she’d be saying ‘it’s bringing everyone I know and love together’.”
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