Award for tragic charity-trek dad
A DAD of two who died while climbing Everest for charity has been remembered with a posthumous honorary award.
The family of Kellinu Portelli, from Leckwith, Cardiff, have accepted an Honorary Remembrance Award in his name from end-of-life charity Marie Curie.
Kellinu was nominated for the award after he died while taking part in a fundraising trek to Everest in October last year.
He had been raising money for Marie Curie in memory of his motherin-law and a friend, and had described the experience as “the adventure of a lifetime”.
His widow, Donna, who watched the awards ceremony virtually, said: “I cannot express how much we miss him, and we lost him far too soon at 54.
“He was a massive personality and loved by so many. He was kind, loving, funny, loud, confident and an amazing husband, dad, grandad and friend.
“No words can express our loss – but I know how proud he’d be of all the money he’d raised and so proud of our friends and family who made those donations.”
Kellinu only started running at 41 and went on to do seven marathons, raising money for various charities.
“He raised around £15,000 before his trip to trek Everest Base Camp,” said Donna.
“He was passionate about exercise and also about fundraising for charities that were personal to us as a family.”
The charity held a virtual awards ceremony this year to celebrate the many people who have dedicated hours of hard work and commitment to support Marie Curie.
Meredith Niles, Marie Curie executive director of fundraising and engagement, presented the award.
She said: “Kell was one of our greatest supporters, and the news of his sudden death was immensely sad news to us all.
“His wife, Donna, told us he wanted to trek to Everest because he wanted to do something special.
“We are privileged that Marie Curie was one of his chosen charities and it is an honour to present this award in memory of Kell and in thanks for all that he did for us.”
Marie Curie is reliant on donations from the public to survive.
Every week the charity needs to raise £2.5m to care for the tens of thousands of people who require nursing and hospice care.
To find out how you can get involved and help Marie Curie reach the families who need them most visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/ donate.