CLOSE friends of a North Wales teenager have set up a fundraiser in her memory to support a special charity.

Abby Reese Beaumont, who was just 15, died at home in Pantymwyn almost two years ago in April 2019.

With the anniversary of her death coming up, friends Emily Roberts and Grace Brockley have set up a fundraising mission to give back to 2 Wish Upon A Star - a charity that supported the Beaumont’s through their darkest hour.

The 16-year-olds – who also attended Mold Alun School with Abby – will be walking a sponsored marathon on March 20 to support the charity.

Emily said: “Abby was an amazing friend who had her whole life ahead of her.

“We’ve been close friends since we started high school and we wanted to do something special as her anniversary was coming up.”

They explained how the tragic news of Abby’s sudden death will never get easier to understand.

Grace added: “We were all really good friends and it just shocked us. One day she was there, sat next to us in class, the next she was gone.

“Her mum and dad picked this charity when we asked them as they were big supports for the whole family.

“We set up the fundraiser after getting their permission and it’s already gone past our first target which is amazing. It shows just how loved Abby is and we hope the charity can use this to help others.”

The Wish Upon a Star charity works throughout Wales to help families affected by the sudden and traumatic death of a child or a young adult aged 25 or under.

Rhian Mannings MBE, founder and CEO of 2 Wish Upon a Star, said of Emily and Grace’s fundraising: “To lose and grieve a friend is difficult at any age, but to do so when you and your friend is so young is even harder to deal with.

"To pay tribute to Abby and celebrate her life in such a way is an amazing thing for Emily and Grace to do, and I know for a fact having run a marathon myself, that completing this challenge will not be easy.

“I’d personally like to thank Emily and Grace for raising these much needed funds for us. It has been a difficult 12 months for us as a charity, but hearing fundraising stories like this and how we have helped to support Abby’s family makes all the hard work worth it.

"Good luck girls, we will be rooting for you.”

To support the fundraiser, go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/emily-roberts43.