School memorial garden for teacher who died at 24

Family and friends of a teacher who died suddenly have raised thousands of pounds to build a school garden in her memory.

Emily Rose Browning, died in December aged just 24, after suffering a cardiac arrest in her sleep.

She taught at Gladstone Primary School in Cardiff where her loved ones were developing their tribute to a teacher who loved outdoor learning.

"A memorial garden where kids can go, learn and reflect," explained her long-term boyfriend, Jack Weston.

"It's going to be very much that learning environment that Em so dearly cherished," the 27-year-old doctor told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.

"That outdoor learning experience for them all."

The idea has helped those grieving the shocking loss of a fit and healthy young woman to "get something positive out of what has been a horrendous few months," he added.

After initially setting a fundraising goal of £5,000, Mr Weston said he was "totally overwhelmed and surprised" to have nearly £20,000 raised in just two weeks.

“It just goes to show that she was loved so dearly by so many."

The extra funding means the garden plans now include a fruit and vegetable patch, seating areas, learning spaces and sensory elements for inclusivity.

Ms Browning earned a master's degree in psychology from Cardiff University in 2022 and started teaching at Gladstone in September 2024 after working for a year as a supply teacher in schools all over Cardiff.

"She really wanted a classroom she could make her own and see the impact of teaching the same children day-to-day and seeing them grow and progress," Mr Weston said of Emily.

"I know just in the short three months that she was there she certainly made an impact on all the children and all the staff and parents as well."

Mr Weston said the initial idea was to get a mini bus with Emily's name, but the school suggested a memorial garden.

"We will be able to see the impact it has on local kids for years to come."

He paid tribute to Emily saying he knew she was special from the moment he met her.

"She just always knew how to light up a room," he said, explaining how she would have what her dad would call "the Em's effect" on people.

Head teacher of Gladstone Primary, Paula Shipton-Jones, called Ms Browning a "much loved and dedicated teacher".

"Her passion for teaching, love for nature, and kindness touched the lives of all the children which she taught, her colleagues and the parents.

The garden, she said, would "reflect Emily's values of nurturing curiosity, creativity, and well-being in every learner".

"Together, we aim to create a space that embodies the warmth and compassion Emily shared with us every day, and continue Emily's dream of helping children grow from young seeds into blossoming roses."