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Over 100 fundraisers take on 500km challenge in memory of Harrogate's Ellie Kempley

Tuesday, 21 April 2026 08:01

Fundraisers will run, hike and cycle across the country in memory of Ellie Kempley.

More than 130 people are set to take on a 500km endurance challenge in memory of local woman Ellie Kempley, who died suddenly in 2022.

The initiative, titled Miles for Montessori 2026, will run from 3rd to 9th May and see participants run, hike and cycle from Harrogate to London.

And the campaign has already raised £12,000 for The Ellie Kempley Foundation ahead of the event.

The route begins at Rigg Farm Montessori and finishes at the Maria Montessori Institute, two locations closely linked to Ellie’s life.

Ellie, from Harrogate, died suddenly in 2022 at the age of 23 from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome.

She had been training as a Montessori teacher and had ambitions to open her own nursery.

Following her death, her family established The Ellie Kempley Foundation, which supports aspiring educators by funding Montessori teacher training.

Ben Kempley, founder of The Ellie Kempley Foundation, said:

“Seeing the fundraiser reach £12,000 already has been incredible, but we’re really hoping to push on and hit our target before we set off.

"Ellie believed so strongly in giving children the best possible start in life.

"This challenge is about continuing that and it’s been amazing to see so many people come together to support it.”

The challenge will cover 500 kilometres over seven days, combining ultramarathons, long-distance cycling and hiking stages.

Since launching in 2024, The Ellie Kempley Foundation's scholarship programme has already funded several teacher training places, aiming to remove financial barriers for those entering early years education.

The team is encouraging people across Yorkshire to support the effort in the final weeks via GoFundMe here.

Listen to Ben's full chat with Your Harrogate's George Dickson below:

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