A BURNHAM man who leapt from a plane in memory of a friend’s daughter who died of a heart condition has almost reached his fundraising target.

Edward Creswick, from Bathurst Close, took on the challenge in memory of Sian Wood, who was born with a single ventricle and died aged 24.

Sian had numerous open heart procedures and despite her health problems she attended Reading University, obtaining an honours degree in speech and language therapy, but succumbed to the condition in August 2010.

The 43-year-old decided to raise money for the British Heart Foundation in her memory and skydived from 13,000 feet, ran a coffee and cake morning and held collections during theatre performances.

He has so far raised £1,675, but needs one final push to make his £2,000 target.

Edward, who is the managing director of Worle estate agent CJ Hole, said: “Karen (Sian’s mother) had to struggle to get access to her daughter’s grave on her birthday due to the floods and this was very upsetting for all her friends to see how much she desperately missed her daughter.

“I decided I wanted to do something positive. Something that would put a huge smile on Karen’s face, something positive to keep Sian’s memory alive and something positive to raise important funds for the British Heart Foundation.”

Sian’s mum, Karen Squance, added: “Sian would be so pleased to know that Ed’s jump will help to fund further research to help others like her.”

Edward has also been helped by Agents Giving which will be adding 10 per cent to the funds raised.

If you would like to support Edward’s efforts and make a donation to the British Heart Foundation, visit Edward’s JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/Edward-Creswick1 or text WITC48 followed by the amount you wish to donate to 70070.