Two pupils from Brecon High School are to run Cardiff Half Marathon in memory of Nia Starkey, a 15-year old girl from Brecon who died suddenly following a stroke.

The pair, Molly Hennah and Matthew Williams, will be raising money for the stroke association, a charity which provides support to stroke victims and their families. So far, they have raised over £2,500 with six months still to go until the half marathon on October 6.

Molly, 16, was a close friend of Nia, and Matthew, 18, was Nia’s boyfriend.

Molly said: “This charity is very close to our hearts and we’re eager to raise as much money as possible. Losing Nia came as a huge shock not only to her family and friends, but also to the community.”

Nia had just finished her GCSEs when she was taken ill at her home, and taken to the Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil, before being transferred to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. She then passed away on June 26. Paying tribute to Nia, Molly said: “Nia was aged just 15 when she died and was one of the most lively and enthusiastic people I know. She excelled at sport, particularly netball, hockey, horse riding and swimming - which were all some of her favourite things to do. Nia was always the sporty one growing up, and myself...not so much. She’d be laughing so hard if she could see me doing a half marathon! Just days before she died, she in fact climbed Pen Y Fan with Matthew, who she adored.

“I have started some training as I am not very active generally and suffer with hypermobile joints, so I am essentially easing myself into it. Matthew, on the other hand, who is an avid rugby player for the Brecon RFC Youth and member of Trecastle YFC’s Junior Tug of War team, is not planning on starting training until after his A-leves. However, he is currently playing most Saturdays for Brecon RFC so is keeping active. I believe he’s planning to hit training hard at 3/4 months before the race...I hope it doesn’t backfire for him!”

The two are astounded by the amount of support they have received. Molly said: “The amount of support we have received from family, friends and even complete strangers is remarkable and we are completely blown away by how generous people have been with donations.”