FRIENDS and family braved "the worst weather yet" as they completed their fourth sponsored walk in memory of a popular young boy.

Heavy rainfall affected the fundraiser, which saw around 40 adults and children come together to remember Rylan Cosgrove, who died aged nine of an asthma attack in 2012.

As in previous years, organisers hope to raise around £1,000 to be split between two charities - the North West Air Ambulance and the Bluebell Foundation in Barrow.

Millom School pupils Kyhanna Herdman and Bethany Pattinson, who were good friends with the former Black Combe Junior School pupil, organised the walk, which began at the Tin Chapel, and took them around the sea wall and back again via Haverigg.

Kyhanna, who aims to repeat the trek for a fifth time next year, said: "It's important to remember him and keep it going.

"Rylan got on with everyone and was always happy."

The previous three walks have raised a combined £3,300 which has benefited charities such as the Bluebell Foundation, which provides support for people experiencing grief associated with loss during pregnancy, or the death of a baby, child or young person.

Rylan Cosgrove died from an acute asthma attack in February 2012, having only been diagnosed with the disease in December 2011.

Pathologist Dr Mohamed Anass Olabi said he did not believe there was anything that could have been done differently to prevent Rylan’s death.

“There are 12 cases of asthma deaths in children every year and we still think, of these 12 cases, possibly half of them could be prevented, so lots of hard work needs to be done in that area.”