The 6th of January 2024 will mark 10 years since the passing of our dad David Wilkes. For both Stefan and and myself , our role model and best friend, became suddenly ,and critically ill over the Christmas period. By the time it reached early January, it was clear just how serious this illness was. On the 6th of January 2014 aged just 53, our loving Dad passed away with heart failure.

Our Dads passing changed our lives forever. I was just 11 years old when my older brother (Stefan, 16 at the time) delivered the news to me. With precious childhood memories and an everlasting love, we have carried him in our hearts through major life events such as ,going to university, passing exams and that first pint at 18 years old.  Whilst we acknowledge we have been extremely lucky to receive help and support from our family and friends , it is not always the case for young people like we were..Charities like CBUK can help young people (like us) access support to help them through the grief of losing a parent. 

To mark this date we will be completing two major challenges in 2023 to raise money for Child Bereavement UK

-  UK15,000 ft Skydive - 18/06/23 (Fathers Day) Myself and Stefan will both be completing a 15,000ft Tandem skydive in Lancaster. With neither of us particularly having a head for heights just signing up was a struggle but it's all for a good cause!

- National 3 Peaks Challenge - 30/09 to 01/10On the 30th of September Stefan and I ,, joined by a close group of family and friends will be attempting the National 3 peaks challenge (Hopefully within 24 hours) We will be taking on the three highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales. Considered one of the toughest outdoor challenges in Britain ascending Ben Nevis (1,344m), Scafell Pike (978m) and Snowdon (1,085m) which is roughly a 26 mil trek. We have set the target to complete all three within the same 24 hours, which even excluding external factors will be incredibly difficult so wish us luck!

!Both challenges are in loving memory of our Dad

About  the charity:

Child Bereavement UK helps families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. They support children and young people (Up to the age of 25) when someone important to them has died or is not expected to live, and parents and the wider family when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying.  Child Bereavement UK provide training to professionals in health and social care, education, the emergency services and the voluntary and corporate sectors, equipping them to provide the best possible care to bereaved families

Myself and Stefan want to personally thank you for your kind donations and we hope to raise as much money and awareness as possible. 

Thank you x