Riley Brown remembers Heartkids brother at Our Lady of Good Counsel

A SPECIAL walk dedicated to the life of a boy who died from congenital heart disease complications in 2002 has taken on new significance for pupils at his school who only recently heard his story.

RILEY BROWN says when he is in Daniel’s Walk he feels sad at the loss of the brother he never met. Daniel’s Walk was created for Daniel Brown by Our Lady of Good Counsel primary school, at Forestville, after he died suddenly and unexpectedly from complications of congenital heart disease, in 2002.

Daniel Brown loved nature.

Tragically, Riley, 12 also has CHD.

Riley never met his eldest brother, although he has two other siblings — Joel who is in his second year of university and Scott who is in year 9.

Neither of Riley’s two brothers have CHD.

“Daniel’s loss was felt through the school community and, at the time, they decided to do something to remember him,” mum Donalda Brown said.

Recently, the school marked the national awareness of Sweetheart Day for Heartkids and took each class through the area known as Daniel’s Walk, where they were told of free-spirited little boy with a huge love of the environment.

“No-one really asked me about Daniel,” Riley said. “No-one really knew his story.”

Mrs Brown said her youngest son’s future was very uncertain when he was born.

“Thankfully, after three open heart surgical procedures he is doing very well and looking forward to his future,” she said.

Riley Brown and friends on Daniel’s Walk.

Although he cannot play sport like other 12-year-olds, Riley has shown an aptitude for acting and has travelled to LA for intensive acting workshops, including an audition for Disney. He is about to make the second of these journeys.

“I feel very sad for my brother, that he died,” he said. “I don’t think about having CHD. I just enjoy my life.”

Enjoying life.

Mrs Brown said all of March is dedicated to raising money and awareness for Heartkids. Their work is to provide support and advocacy for families affected by CHD. Funds also go to researching life-saving treatments.

To find out more about Heartkids go to kidsgive.com.au and click on the link “Eat art for sweetheart day” and watch Riley’s explanation of Heartkids and how other children can help.