“My name is Ashlea. On the evening of Friday 1 December 2023, my world was completely turned upside down when my daughter Freya had a sudden asthma attack at home. She was taken to Kingston Hospital by paramedics where doctors tried everything possible to save her. At 2pm on Saturday 2 December, Freya died. Freya was a kind, funny and beautiful person who touched so many lives. She was a fantastic dancer and a truly sensational teenager who I will forever be proud to call my daughter and my best friend. She had the most contagious smile and such a wicked laugh. When Freya laughed, everybody laughed. And when Freya smiled, everybody smiled.

“Kingston Hospital Charity’s Night to Remember memory walk that took place on 7 September this year provided an opportunity to do something in Freya’s memory, especially as, Jasmin and Corrinne, the family support workers from Kingston Hospital who provided such invaluable support to me, were taking part too. Like them and other members of the paediatric service, they were walking to raise the money needed to ensure all families that lose a child at the hospital can face the unimaginable with the support of an experienced bereavement psychologist, providing the specialist psychological support they desperately need.

“Since Freya died we have received an outpouring of love and support from so many people. Freya’s friends have acted with such grace, warmth and compassion and I am beyond proud to say that they are my daughter’s friends. A number of them joined me on the walk to raise money for this most important and worthy of causes. It was so special to walk with them as we remembered Freya and I can’t believe how generous people have been in helping Team Freya to raise nearly £12,000. It feels very special to know this money will be used to help other families to try and cope when going through what I have experienced since losing Freya. My heartfelt thanks to everyone that donated in memory of Freya.”