A close-knit group of Jesmond students has undertaken a heartfelt journey by walking from Osbornes in Jesmond to the Drunken Duck pub in Durham.

This walk was in honour of their housemate and “best kind of friend”, Mornel “Nelly” Westfield, who passed away last year.

Nelly’s friends made the meaningful walk on 15th September to the Drunken Duck, a pub in his home city that he loved and visited often. The walk was aimed at raising money and awareness for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

This walk marked a year since Nelly’s sudden passing at the age of just 19, due to a rare heart condition known as “arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy”, of which he had been unaware.

Former housemate Sofia Celaya said that having Nelly’s sister, Sasha, on the walk “made it that much more special as it really felt like a part of him was there with us”. Celaya said that throughout the walk, bystanders approached the group, recognising the BHF T-shirts and asked about Nelly and the purpose of their journey. This, she said, boosted group morale and raised more awareness.

“Being greeted by his family at the end was by far the highlight of the journey, as their support really meant everything to us,” said Celaya.

Nelly had been preparing to begin his second year as a Newcastle University student on the journalism degree programme and was set to live with his friends in North Jesmond. Close friend Louie Linton described him as “the best kind of friend a person could meet and get the honour of living with. He had so much unwavering kindness for everyone and consistent excitement for everything we did together.”

Remembering “his gleaming smile that would light up any room” and “his infectious positive energy”, Linton spoke of Nelly’s love and beautiful presence, qualities that enriched their lives.

The walk raised £2,431 for BHF, helping to support research and awareness of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Another former housemate, Neve Armstrong, said: “We received donations from so many different areas of Nelly’s life, from friends and family at home to his university and work life, which was amazing to see how many people he touched.”

Fellow walker Liv Dillon added: “We’re so grateful for how many people donated and what we raised. Nelly will always be in our hearts, and it was amazing to do something for such a great cause.”

While the JustGiving page has closed, Nelly’s friends and family say they hope his memory will continue to inspire awareness and support for heart health and research.

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Mornel was a news editor for The Tab Newcastle, writes Lara Parsons, and in memory of their friend, the editorial team organised a charity pub Quiz at Bar Blanc on Osborne Road that raised more than £270 for the British Heart Foundation.

“We’re very grateful to Bar Blanc for enabling us to host such a personal event,” said Emmie Foster, co-editor of The Tab Newcastle. “Running the quiz was scary, but seeing a full house really showed how much of an amazing person Mornel was. He always had a smile on his face and was a wonderful person to be around.”