THE daughter of a Keighley man who died of an undiagnosed heart condition finished an arduous challenge less than two months later to support British Heart Foundation.

Martin Thompson, who had lived in Long Lee, died suddenly on February 12 aged just 40. His family had no warning that he was unwell.

His 16-year-old daughter, Lauren, teamed up with four of her school friends to complete the demanding Yorkshire Three Peaks Walk on April 6.

Despite having an initial fundraising target of £500, as of April 11 the teenagers had managed to raise an impressive total of £4,577.

Scaling and descending Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough alongside Lauren were Oliver Reeve, Josh Thompson, and Scott Duncan, all aged 17 and 16-year-old Mia Douglas.

All five live in the Oakworth area and are year 12 pupils at Beckfoot Oakbank School.

Lauren’s mum, Oakworth resident Nicola Slater, who is Mr Thompson’s former partner, said: “I think this was an incredible thing for them to do.

“It was only about a week after Martin died that Lauren decided she wanted to do something to help her focus on something positive.

“She’d been in complete shock because there was no warning at all. Martin had seemed in good health – he’d run marathons before.

“Lauren and her friends organised the walk together and everyone has donated – family, friends and colleagues – with sums ranging from £2.50 up to £500.

“People have been sharing the appeal on social media and they’ve been amazingly supportive. Lauren and her friends are absolutely overwhelmed with the response they’ve had.

“Before the Yorkshire Three Peaks they did a practise walk from Oakworth to Hebden Bridge and back.

“On the day of the actual walk the weather conditions were good – cool, but sunny and dry underfoot.

“They finished in about 11 hours and at the end they were very relieved it was all over but felt really pleased with what they’d achieved.

“For the age they are, it’s such a big thing for them to have accomplished.”

Martin Thompson, known as “Tomo”, was born in Keighley and educated at Oakbank School. He worked locally as a painter and decorator.

His funeral service was at the Mercure Bradford Bankfield Hotel on March 1. Among those left behind by his death are his three children and his wife, Rachael.

Mrs Slater stressed the charity sum raised by the teenagers is still increasing. She thanked all those who have contributed so far.

People can go online to support the fundraising appeal for British Heart Foundation in Mr Thompson’s memory. Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/3peakswalk2019 to donate.