We’re fundraising for heart research in Daniel’s memory
Campaign after nephew’s sudden death at 20
The family of a popular 20-yearold who died from a rare type of heart disease are keeping his memory alive through fundraising.
Daniel Dunmill passed away suddenly at home, in Maidstone Road, Wateringbury, exactly a week before his 21st birthday last June.
It later emerged that he had an aorta dissection – a condition where there is a tear in the artery.
The former Oakwood Park Grammar School pupil was described by friends as a “happygo-lucky guy” who always had a smile on his face.
Now his aunt Ellen McCulloch is leading the fundraising effort with her firm, Insight Systems, teaming up with the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
Ellen, operations director at the printer and photocopier supplier, said: “We all take for granted that our hearts pump away doing the job they are meant to do but unfortunately, and sometimes without warning, this isn’t the case.
“Having witnessed first-hand the devastation and unimaginable pain that is left in a family when a loved one suddenly loses their life in this way makes you determined to want to highlight and support any research that can be done to maybe prevent this in the future.
“My nephew Daniel, who in his short life spent his time helping others, suddenly, without warning or symptoms, collapsed and died.
“In honour of him and on behalf of his heartbroken parents Mark and Dawn, brother Adam and along with other families who have suffered a loss, we will be proud to work in partnership with the British Heart Foundation.”
As well as starting a fundraising page, the Wrotham firm has donated office furniture to BHF charity shops and enlisted staff members to sign up for the Silverstone Half Marathon in March. The partnership is set to run for two years and has so far raised more than £4,000, thanks to donations from family, friends, staff and business colleagues.
Kim Brophy, Kent fundraising manager for the BHF, said: “Meeting with Ellen and her family was very emotional and hearing about this young man with everything to look forward to being taken away so suddenly from their lives is incredibly unfair. It is lovely that we will keep Daniel’s memory alive.”
To donate visit tinyurl.com/ dunmillfund