Dad's challenge in memory of 'beloved' daughter

A father has paid tribute to his "beloved" daughter after raising more than £20,000 for a children's hospital in her memory.

Tilly Bray died in January, a month before her 15th birthday, after experiencing reoccurring seizures.

A team of eight, led by her father Matt Bray, from Minety in Wiltshire, have now completed the Blenheim Palace Triathlon.

Mr Bray described his daughter as the "driving force" in her loved ones' lives and as someone who "took on the world with heart and joy".

After the "sudden and traumatic" nature of Tilly's death, Mr Bray said she would not have wanted him to "bury his head in the sand", but "live life to its fullest".

So, inspired by his daughter's "spirit of adventure", Mr Bray and seven other fathers from Wiltshire and Gloucestershire completed the triathlon - swimming, running and cycling a combined total of more than 25km (15.5 miles).

The money raised will go directly to The Grand Appeal - the Bristol Children's Hospital charity - and its plan to build a residential unit for families.

Mr Bray said he had been "blown away" by the fundraising efforts of his team and added he was "so happy" to contribute to the charity.

He said staff at the Seahorse paediatric intensive care unit - which cared for Tilly before she died - had shown ", warmth and kindness" to his daughter and the family.

The group of fathers completed the challenge in pink caps bearing the hashtag #BeMoreTilly, in tribute to the teenager's "zest for life".

Mr Bray said "being more Tilly" meant living boldly and "taking on life with wide eyes and open arms" - a mantra he said helped the group unite in determination to cross the finish line.

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