The family and friends of an Isle of Wight man, who died suddenly ten years ago due to an undiagnosed heart condition, continue to raise funds in his honour - this time, with a tandem skydive.
The skydive is part of the ‘10k for 10 years’ challenge, a family-led fundraiser aiming to raise £10,000 for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) in honour of Darren Kernot's memory.
Read more: Island family honours late father's memory with £10k heart charity fundraiser
Stuart Robertson, a close friend of Darren and his former business partner, who now works on the sales team of the County Press, will be overcoming his fear of flying to complete the skydive.
“I’m scared of flying, taking off, landing – all the in-between!” Stuart admitted.
“Everything about jumping out of a small plane at 10,000 feet is so far out of my comfort zone it’s unreal.
“But this is for Darren, and that’s what matters.”
For Sam Knotek, Darren’s sister, the skydive represents a personal challenge and an opportunity to fulfil a long-held dream to tick off her bucket list.
Darren moved to the Island from Surrey in 2008 with his wife Karen and their three children, Jake, Amy and Joshua.
He was well-known as a ‘born salesman’ and the co-founder of Wave Office Supplies, an Island business he started with Stuart.
Sadly, in 2014, Darren died suddenly from Brugada syndrome, a genetic heart condition, at the age of 40.
To commemorate the tenth anniversary of Darren’s death, the Kernot family launched the ‘10k for 10 years’ campaign, with the goal of raising £10,000 for the BHF by the end of 2024.
The family has already raised over £8,500 through various fundraising events and challenges.
Stuart said: “We are raising money for the BHF, and we’d be so grateful for your support.
“It’s only thanks to support from people like us that the BHF can create new treatments and discover new cures.”
The family hopes that this skydive, along with other planned events throughout the year, will help them reach their fundraising target.
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