Keen Kerry will leap from 10,000ft for heart charity

Film producer Kerry Aldam, 22, of Ringmer Road, Worthing, will leap from a plane at 10,000ft on March 28.

In December, her father Howard, 60, was waiting for a kidney transplant. Complications nearly cost him his life and resulted in heart failure.

Kerry said the diagnosis came as ‘quite a shock’ and prompted her to research the charity ‘straight away’.

She said: “The charity is quite close to my heart. I really wanted to do something to feel like I could give something back.

“I’m quite scared of heights actually. I thought I might as well do something that’s challenging. The main reason I wanted to do it is because having a heart problem like my dad’s, it’s such a life-changing and upsetting thing to have. Doing a skydive means nothing in comparison to having a heart problem.”

Howard Aldam, 60, said: “I’m very proud of her, it’s a great thing to do for a great cause – good luck to her. The British Heart Foundation is a huge support and the primary funding for research for heart disease.

“With research as it stands they could find a cure for heart failure within ten years, which is incredible.”

So far Kerry has raised £381.55 of her £400 target, however, she is keen to continue raising as much as possible for the charity.

She said that she ‘desperately wanted’ to help many more mums, dads and grandparents with heart conditions live longer and happier lives.

Services provided by the foundation include a ‘heart helpline’ – with cardiac nurses and information support officers providing support, and a free ‘Heart Matters’ magazine full of information and advice.

Kathrine Maynard, volunteer fundraising manager for West Sussex at the British Heart Foundation, said: “It’s because of people like Kerry, who take on incredible challenges, that the BHF can continue its vital work fighting heart disease.

“Our research has already helped to save thousands of lives. The money raised from her skydive will be spent on funding new breakthroughs to help prevent, treat and cure heart conditions.”

To sponsor Kerry, visit www.justgiving.com/Kerry-Aldam or text KALD54 to 70070 followed by amount (up to £10). Donations will go directly to Kerry’s fund.