Caring Doncaster dad raised £41K in memory of his son

A Doncaster dad has raised tens of thousands of pounds for life-saving equipment in memory of his son who died from an undetected heart condition.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Jun 2016, 13:35 BST
Updated 13th Jun 2016, 13:38 BST
Ken Waight (right) has raised tens of thousands of pounds for SADS UK since 2011Ken Waight (right) has raised tens of thousands of pounds for SADS UK since 2011
Ken Waight (right) has raised tens of thousands of pounds for SADS UK since 2011

After Richard Waight died suddenly in his sleep from sudden arrhythmia death syndrome (SADS) his dad Ken launched a campaign to raise funds for defibrillators - the very equipment that could have saved his life.

Ken has held a total of six annual golf days as part of the campaign which have raised over £41,000 since 2011.

Ken Waight's son, Richard Waight, died in his sleep aged just 23 from sudden arrythmia death syndrome. He is pictured here at his graduation.Ken Waight's son, Richard Waight, died in his sleep aged just 23 from sudden arrythmia death syndrome. He is pictured here at his graduation.
Ken Waight's son, Richard Waight, died in his sleep aged just 23 from sudden arrythmia death syndrome. He is pictured here at his graduation.
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The most recent fundraiser was held at Doncaster Golf Club last month, which raised £7,100.

Ken of Boat Lane, Sprotbrough said this year’s fundraiser had enjoyed the biggest turnout to date.

He said: “This was the biggest attendance so far, with 100 players and more joining us in the evening.”

Some of the proceeds raised on the day will be donated to the charity SADS UK, which aims to raise awareness of, and provide equipment for, sudden arrhythmia death syndrome.

Ken Waight's son, Richard Waight, died in his sleep aged just 23 from sudden arrythmia death syndrome. He is pictured here at his graduation.Ken Waight's son, Richard Waight, died in his sleep aged just 23 from sudden arrythmia death syndrome. He is pictured here at his graduation.
Ken Waight's son, Richard Waight, died in his sleep aged just 23 from sudden arrythmia death syndrome. He is pictured here at his graduation.
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Anne Jolly, founder of SADS UK said: “SADS UK is delighted that Ken Waight continues to support the charity in memory of his son Richard.

She added: “Funds donated to SADS UK have enabled the placement of defibrillators in schools and sports venues in the community of Doncaster and surrounding areas.

“When a person suffers a cardiac arrest the early use of a defibrillator is vital to give the person the best chance of survival.

“The charity is pleased that even more organisations in the locality will benefit from this lifesaving equipment”

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Ken has worked with SADS UK since 2014 to distribute defibrillators to the borough’s schools in a bid to stop other families from experiencing the same heartbreak.

Since then, North Ridge Community, Salters Gate Infant, Richmond Hill, Armthorpe Southfield, Ash Hill, Toll Bar Primary School and Outwood Academy have all received defibrillators.

Richard was a newly-qualified chemistry teacher at Hayfield School when he died aged just 23.

Richard also taught pupils how to play golf, and part of the money raised will be donated to Doncaster schools to pay for golf lessons.