A SISTER inspired to get into business by her late brother has been praised.

Winsford resident Joshua Rosenberg was just 18 when he was killed by a speeding driver travelling on the wrong side of the road.

Having gone through the most difficult period in her life, Joshua’s sister Kristy Walsh found the motivation to launch her own business.

She opened her first mortgage brokerage last year and has this week been highly commended in the Suffolk Young Entrepreneur category at the Small Business Awards.

Kristy said: “This means everything and more to me.

“When my brother passed away in a road traffic accident in 2016 I went through the lowest point in my life. 

“I was in a rut which I didn’t believe I could get out.

“After a painful year or so I used my brother's death as motivation to set up my business.

“I also wanted my son to look up to me as a strong mum after everything I had been through.

“To watch what I am growing with my team, going strength to strength, is amazing and all came from the fire in my belly to make him proud."

Chester and District Standard: Kristy Walsh, owner of Mortgage Capital, was highly commended in the Suffolk Young Entrepreneur category at the Small Business AwardsKristy Walsh, owner of Mortgage Capital, was highly commended in the Suffolk Young Entrepreneur category at the Small Business Awards (Image: Supplied)

In May 2016, Joshua was driving along the A57 Snake Pass having just purchased a new car.

His life was cut short when Ehtisham Hanif, 29, attempted to overtake four cars on the brow of a hill while going at 80mph.

Since then, Joshua’s sister has launched three businesses.

Then, in September 2023, Kristy opened her first mortgage brokerage – Mortgage Capital – near Ipswich on what would have been her brother's 26th birthday.

Having enjoyed early success, she is now looking to expand the business into Cheshire.

Kristy said: “We are still in the pipeline looking for brokers.

“My stepsister is doing her course later this year and in the long run the plan is for her to run the Cheshire hub.”

Chester and District Standard: Joshua RosenbergJoshua Rosenberg (Image: Supplied)

The brokerage is not Kristy’s only tribute to her brother, she also named her son after him – Blake Alex Joshua Walsh.