The parents of 17-year-old Ethan Ross, who tragically died in September 2020, have raised over £6,000 of their £20,000 fundraising target in memory of the ‘hugely popular and well respected’ teen.

Ethan suffered a devastating brain injury after being hit by a car on the A55 whilst riding his moped travelling home from work. The Wales Air Ambulance flew Ethan to the Major Trauma Centre at the Royal Stoke University Hospital but, tragically, he died two days later.

Ethan’s parents, Helen and Paul, from St. Asaph, are calling on the public to take part in ‘Move a Marathon for Ethan’ fundraiser in memory of their selfless, kind and gifted son.

Move a Marathon for Ethan is a weekend event in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance and Young Minds charities. The fundraiser encourages people of all ages to help raise money by moving 26.2 miles. The miles can be completed by either walking, swimming, running or hiking. Alternatively, people can find a creative way to take part. This can be 26.2 of anything, minutes, hours, or activities such as crosswords, baking, sewing, gardening or walking. It all takes place during the weekend of Friday18 June – Sunday 20 June 2021.

Ethan’s father and brother Callum have set themselves the challenge of completing a marathon on Sunday 20 June.

Ethan was a hugely popular, and well-respected young man, who worked part time as a waiter in Bodelwyddan Castle Hotel, and was also a member of the Denbigh Town FC Development Squad. He was ‘selfless, kind, caring, determined, quiet and gifted with huge competitive nature’.

Helen Ross, Ethan’s mum, said: “Ethan was studying Maths and Physics A Levels at Denbigh High School and hoping to go on to Bristol University to study Aerospace Engineering. He had great aspirations and desires. He wanted to travel the world. Ethan was so organised and had his life mapped out. He loved to sing and would bellow out the Greatest showman song 'Never Enough' at the top of his voice.

“Ethan loved science and space and had a huge passion about stars and the universe. The world will be an emptier place now he is not in it.”

Ethan had written the following for his University personal statement, which his family said sums Ethan up to a tee – ‘As a young man fascinated with the world around me, I have found myself always drawn to looking up to the sky. I want my life to have purpose and benefit mankind in some way’.

Speaking about Ethan’s words, Helen said: “He has certainly done this giving so many a gift of life with his organ donations. We must now carry on his legacy.”

She continued: “We would love as many people as possible to get involved and Move a Marathon in memory of our beloved son. We would like to thank Denbighshire Leisure Ltd for offering to support the event and for being our official partner. We have chosen Wales Air Ambulance and Young Minds, two charities that are very important to our family.  We would like to thank everyone who has been in touch already. Let's make this event as ginormous as Ethan's heart and make him as proud as he did us.” 

In support of the event, Rhyl’s Sky Tower, Pavilion Theatre and 1891 restaurant were recently lit up blue in tribute to Ethan.

On Friday 18 June, most of Denbighshire Infant, Primary and High Schools from Llangollen – Rhyl will also be taking part, and holding a fundraising day in their school. 

Debra Sima, the Charity’s North East Wales Community Fundraiser, said: “It is impossible to imagine the pain and sadness that the family must be going through. From such a tragic incident, the Ross family has decided to raise money to help two important charities. This is truly awe-inspiring and shows incredible resilience. Good luck to everyone who will be taking part in the event in memory of Ethan.”

Denbighshire Leisure Ltd is proud to be the event’s main partner and supporter.

Managing Director of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, Jamie Groves, said: “We are proud to be the official partner for this charity event, in honour of the memory of a wonderful young man. As a company, we will be coordinating several fundraising activities leading up to the main event. We will also be coordinating the social and marketing campaigns to encourage as many people as possible to get involved and support two very worthwhile charities, Young Minds and Wales Air Ambulance, both of which are close to Ethan’s family’s hearts.  We would like to wish Ethan’s father Paul and brother Callum all the best in their efforts on the day and look forward to following their journey and training for this.”

You can donate via the Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/moveamarathonforethan

Visit denbighshireleisure.co.uk/moveamarathonforEthan for more information.