Family shocked at sudden death of star athlete, 16
THE talented daughter of a multimillionaire businessman died hours before she was due to take part in an athletics competition.
The grieving parents of Allegra Whittome yesterday talked of their “perfect daughter” who had hopes of competing for Great Britain.
Allegra, 16, died in hospital from a rare brain injury after falling ill on Friday. An inquest is due to open next week.
Her father Ashley Whittome, 52, a property tycoon and former City banker with Credit Suisse First Boston, and her mother Lucy, 48, paid tribute to Allegra, saying they and their three other children were “devastated”.
She had been due to compete in a Hampshire League athletics fixture in Bournemouth.
Her parents said: “Allegra was the most perfect daughter and sister that anyone could imagine.
“She loved sport, animals and her friends and family. Nothing will ever replace her.”
Allegra, of Alresford, Hampshire, studied at £ 24,000- a- year St Swithun’s school, Winchester, and represented her school and county at sports.
She was a skilled equestrian, pentathlete, tennis and netball player and ran for Winchester Athletics Club. Its chairman Pete Spelman said: “She was a massive team player.”
Allegra was also known for charity activities. In 2013 she raised money for the Little Princess Trust when she had her hair cut off by celebrity stylist Guy Kremer. She also promoted the work of the edClub charity to help to educate children in Kenya.
St Swithun’s head Jane Gandee described Allegra as “an enormously talented and outstanding pupil”.
In 2011, a lifestyle magazine estimated that Mr Whittome had a fortune of £ 50million.