Daredevils dive 12,000ft in memory of Darren
14.04.11
A GROUP of five daredevils plunged 12,000ft to raise thousands of pounds in memory of popular Yatton dad Darren Evans.
Friends and family of the 30-year-old plucked up the courage for the skydive to help raise vital funds to eradicate the deadly disease, which took Darren's life suddenly in January.
Darren's partner Jenny Mitchell and three-year-old son Joshua watched as the group pushed themselves to the limit above the skies of Cirencester.
The event was organised by Bristol-based Meningitis UK and 25 people took part to help fund the charity's vaccine research work, with the aim of eradicating the devastating brain bug completely.
Darren's brother Stephen was joined for the jump by his sister-in-law Nicola King and friends Gareth Harry, Josh Gibbs and Anthony Hill.
Stephen, 28, said: "Darren's death's obviously been very hard for us all to come to terms with but focussing on the fundraising for Meningitis UK has helped.
"I had never done anything like this before, apart from falling out of a tree! I wasn't nervous at all until the plane took off and I suddenly questioned what I was letting myself in for.
"But it was an amazing experience and I really enjoyed doing something for such a good cause. I would definitely do it again.
"I think Darren would have been really proud of us for doing something like this."
Darren, who grew up and lived most of his life in Yatton, had always been a keen sportsman within the community, and played for local teams at cricket, football, pool and darts.
He was rushed to Clevedon Cottage Hospital on New Year's Day after waking up with a severe headache, having felt unwell over the Christmas period with flu-like symptoms.
Just hours later he was rushed to Weston General Hospital, where he died the following day – to the great shock and disbelief of all who knew him.
The community of Yatton have since rallied round and a tribute fund has been set up in Darren's memory to raise money for Meningitis UK.
A bike ride has also been planned for the summer and his friends, family and employers are planning to take part in Meningitis UK's 13-mile Summer Stroll from Keynsham to Bristol on June 18.
Meningitis UK's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign aims to raise £7million to fund vital research into developing a vaccine against all forms of meningitis.
Steve Dayman, the chief executive of Meningitis UK who founded the charity after his son Spencer died from the disease, said: "Everyone's efforts are really inspirational. To jump 12,000ft out of a plane is no mean feat.
"What happened to Darren sadly illustrates the speed at which meningitis can strike, with very few symptoms to distinguish the disease from more common illnesses.
"Every penny the group have raised will go towards our single focus – to find a vaccine to eradicate meningitis.
"Our ultimate goal is to spare people the heartache of losing a loved one to meningitis."
To make a donation in Darren's memory, please visit www.meningitisuk.tributefunds.com and search for Darren Evans.
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
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