The family of an Isle of Wight man who died suddenly in 2014 is hoping to raise £10,000 for charity this year to mark the 10th anniversary of his death.
Darren Kernot moved to the Island from Surrey with his wife Karen and children Jake, Amy and Joshua in 2008.
He started up a stationary business with his friend Stuart Robertson called Wave Office Supplies, beginning in a small shop on Ryde High Street and later moving into Lake's Industrial Way.
Darren, who was described as a born salesman, employed staff and even took on some apprentices not long before he died on March 3, 2014.
He was only 40 years old when he died suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition called Brugada syndrome.
Other members of his family have since been tested, and, as it is a genetic syndrome, his children are regularly monitored.
This year, 10 years after Darren's death, his family is fundraising for the British Heart Foundation (BNF), with Jake, Darren’s son, coming up with the slogan ’10 years, 10 grand’.
In 2015, the family did a big fundraiser for the BHF and Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), raising over £6,000 for the charities.
The BHF and CRY both raise awareness of heart problems and campaign on how best to look after your heart and how to get tested for problems if you should experience symptoms.
To help fundraise, there will be various events and challenges throughout 2024, and the family are aiming to reach the £10,000 target by the end of the year – with the current total sitting at just over £1,500.
Karen said: “Not enough people know about Brugada and other similar heart conditions until they experience similar situations like ours.
“We had no warning. It devastates families.
“Any funds we can raise for the BHF will go towards improving pacemakers, improving the use of defibrillators in British ambulances and making heart conditions easier to diagnose.
“We would be grateful for any support the local Island community and businesses can offer.”
In January, Jake and his partner William ran 50 miles each, scaling mountains and tackling the countryside, getting lost in bracken, dodging tractors and getting stuck in bogs!
On March 8, a bingo and music event will take place in Darren's home town of Woking, and in May, his daughter Amy is planning to walk 100km on the Island.
In June, the family is planning to help Bembridge Football Club launch a charity football match, with an evening BBQ.
Meanwhile, in September, Jake is planning a mainland event where family and friends can enter a team and compete in sporting events.
Between these events, there will be a selection of quiz nights, bingo evenings and possibly a couple of Tough Mudder events.
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