An inspirational teenager who raised thousands for charity before she sadly passed away last year following surgery on her spine, has motivated friends to attempt two Guinness World Records on the first anniversary of her death.

Chilcompton teen, Emma Welch, climbed Mount Snowdon last year with 135 teddy bears, just days before an operation to correct scoliosis, a painful condition of the spine. Tragically, she passed away from complications, hours after the surgery, aged just fourteen.

A charity champion for Brain Tumour Research since she learned that her former church minister had been diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour, Emma inspired more than £13,000 in donations for the pioneering UK charity.

On Saturday, 4th June, two crochet world records will be attempted at The Forum in Bath. The first challenge will be an attempt to break the current record of 485 people crocheting simultaneously and the second will be to produce the largest display of crocheted items.

Fifteen-year-old Norton Hill School student, Victoria Roberts, who appealed for volunteers to help with the challenge in The Journal last year, said: “Since the sad death of my dear friend Emma Daisy Welch, I have taken it upon myself to continue her mantle as a fundraiser for Brain Tumour Research.

“Emma was passionate about raising funds for research into the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under the age of forty.

“Having learned that Andrew Stammers, the Minister at Radstock Baptist Church, had been diagnosed with a brain tumour, she was shocked that just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease and this led to her decision to take on some incredible challenges to raise desperately needed funds for research into brain tumours, despite being in pain herself.

“Our family, too, have been touched by this awful form of cancer. My aunt, Sharon Wootten, died aged 45, having been diagnosed with a brain tumour when she was 39, leaving my teenage cousins without a mum.

“We need volunteers to sign up to come along to The Forum in Bath around 10 a.m. on 4th June and help break the record for the most people crocheting simultaneously. We aim to start crocheting punctually at 10.30 a.m. for a period of twenty minutes – so it won’t take up too much time and then you can enjoy the sights or the shops of Bath!

“If you can help us to break this record, please book a free ticket via: www.eventbrite.co.uk and search for crocheting world record attempt.

“We are also busy trying to crochet more than 13,000 daisies (which we will sell on the anniversary of losing Emma to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research), but we need a few more people to help us. Emma’s teddy, Daisy Bear, has a Facebook page where you can find out more information: www.facebook.com/daisy.bear.750 or you can email: [email protected] or call: 07526 570677.”

Carol Robertson, Head of Community Fundraising at Brain Tumour Research, commented: “It is wonderful that Victoria and Daisy Bear are continuing Emma’s incredible legacy. Now we just need more people to be inspired to help make these challenges become record-breakers.

“Brain Tumour Research is striving to fund a network of seven dedicated research centres whilst challenging the government and larger cancer charities to invest more in brain tumour research. Help us fund the fight. Together we will find a cure.”

For more information on Brain Tumour Research, visit: www.braintumourresearch.org