THE family of a 22-year-old from Nantwich who died in her sleep joined 2000 walkers who marched through London to honour the young people whose lives have been cut short.

Ceri Howells, from Wistaston, Nantwich, died in her sleep from young, sudden, cardiac death (YSCD), on March 28, 2014.

Ceri had married James Palmer just nine months prior to her death, and was due to graduate with a first class honours degree in drama and theatre studies.

On Sunday, June 28, the Howells family took part in The Heart of London Bridges Walk, which is organised by Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), now in its 20th year.

Alison Howells, Ceri’s mum, said: "The CRY Heart of London Bridges Walk was an extremely moving tribute not only to our daughter, Ceri, but to all those young people represented by the 2000 people taking part.

“It is uplifting to think that the funds raised through the walk will help prevent many other young people dying of SADS and avoiding the tragedy we as a family have experienced."

The Heart of London Bridges Walk is now in its 9th year and is one of the flagship fundraisers on the charity’s calendar.

This year’s route saw walkers pass by 12 of London’s most famous landmarks, representing the deaths of the 12 fit and healthy young people (35 and under) who die every week in the UK from YSCD.

Chief executive and founder of the charity, Alison Cox MBE, said: “Even after 20 years, I never fail to be astonished by the enormous courage our bereaved families have as they determine to work around their own terrible grief to fundraise for CRY, using every possible opportunity to prevent other families from suffering the same tragic experience they have endured.

“We are immensely grateful to the Howells family for signing up to our Bridges Walk and know that so many people from their local area were supporting them every step of the way.”