Firefighter scales three mountains in one day in memory of beloved daughter

A firefighter is channeling the memory of her beloved infant daughter to help others.

Crew Commander Ashley Kerr and her husband Graham suffered the unimaginable pain of losing their day-old daughter Olivia in 2016.

Olivia lost her life as a result of Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia, an extremely rare genetic condition affecting less than 200 people world-wide.

Just 18 months after Olivia's passing, Graham, a former police officer, was diagnosed with Parkinson's.

Now, in the year which would have marked Olivia's 10th birthday, Ashley and her family are setting about raising money for a number of causes close to their heart.

A charity bungee jump has already been ticked off and last week, Ashley, her son Jack, friends and family scaled three mountains in a single day as part of the Cumbria Three Peaks Challenge.

All funds raised from the climbing challenge will go towards supporting Scotland's Deep Brain Stimulation Service, which exists to improve the lives of people living with complex neurological conditions.

More than £3000 has been raised so far.

Ashley said: "The worry of any bereaved parent is that their child is forgotten.

"So, being able to make a difference to people's lives in Olivia's name means a lot.

"We've done a lot of fundraising over the years, but 10 years is a big milestone for our daughter.

"I received a lot of support from voluntary groups when I was newly bereaved and that's part of the reason why I volunteer and want to help people - I get a lot out of it."

In a touching tribute to his little sister, Ashley's 13-year-old son Jack joined the group in completing the three peaks challenge. 

In doing so, Jack and his fellow climbers scaled three mountains, each more than 3000 feet high, in a single day.

Ashley shared: "Jack was very keen to be involved and did really well.

"We had sun, rain, hail and wind while climbing, but Jack managed it all and found it easier than me. He was way up ahead at points.

"He also took part in the highland fling bungee jump, in Perth and Kinross, with his dad to raise funds for charity.

"Everyone involved has been very supportive and we're now keen to come up with more ideas to help raise funds and awareness."

 You can find out more about Ashley and her family's efforts and donate online.