Jessica’s father Steve and a team of friends and family began the trek from St Helens on Thursday, as part of a global event, finishing in Scotland’s capital on Sunday (a total of 230 miles) to raise funds for the cardiac charity SADS (Sudden Arrhythmic Death) UK. Meanwhile, more than 20 colleagues from across C+T supported the Welsby family with its fund-raising efforts through other activities including cycling, walking or running a total of 230 miles throughout the past month, ahead of Jess’s birthday on 31 August.

Originally from St Helens in Merseyside, Jess completed her initial accountancy training with C+T in Edinburgh. She was on secondment at the firm Ashfords in Melbourne, Australia as part of the AGN International exchange programme when she suddenly died. Ashfords has also supported the fund-raising drive with its own 230-mile challenge.

So far, more than £1800 has been raised towards a target of £2300. Donations are still be accepted through Chiene + Tait’s Just Giving page.

Barry Truswell, C+T partner, who is part of the fundraising team, said: “Jess was a young, vivacious and highly regarded colleague who had friends across the firm. She had recently completed her accountancy training and had qualified as a Chartered Accountant before temporarily moving to Melbourne on her secondment.

“We are delighted that so many of our colleagues have been involved, cycling, walking, running, swimming or travelling by other means as part of their own 230-mile challenge to generate funds for SADS UK in Jess’s memory. I would urge people to support our efforts by donating generously on our Just Giving website page.”

Anne Jolly MBE, SADS UK founder, added: “We were extremely saddened to hear of the sudden and unexpected loss of Jessica Welsby and grateful to Chiene + Tait, Ashfords and the Welsby family and friends for supporting our work. SADS UK is often contacted by people whose lives have been shattered when a seemingly healthy person dies so unexpectedly.

“Sadly, sudden death occurs more often than is generally recognised and people from all walks of life are affected. While the list of victims is long, so too is the passion of family, friends and colleagues in raising further awareness and understanding to prevent tragic deaths of such vibrant young people. 

“SADS UK funds research to improve understanding of conditions and symptoms that may indicate a person is at risk.”