Every week, in the UK, eight apparently healthy young people die as a result of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome... 

Thats a pretty shocking fact, but its even more shocking when you find out one of your close friends has passed away due to Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) at only 18 years of age.

I've got to be honest I'm struggling to write about Tristan at the moment, there is so much I could say, but I, like many other people, am struggling to get my head around the fact that I wont see him again. I think I speak for everyone when I say that he is sorely missed.

A few years back, waiting for our Geography lesson to start, I told Tristan that I wanted to climb Kilimanjaro; he agreed and said it would be amazing. This recent tragic event has made me realise just how short life is, and that we should live every second to the max...so living by this philosophy, I will be climbing Kilimanjaro- check out the map in the photo album; I'm doing the Machame Route- in January/February 2012, in memory of Tristan, with all donations going to the charity SADS UK. With your help I hope to raise £2500, although obviously the more money raise, the better!

SADS UK is a fantastic organisation that offers support to family and friends; aims to increase awareness of SADS and to purchase heart monitoring equipment. Why not check out the website:

www.sadsuk.org

As I'm currently teaching in Tanzania and wont be back in the UK until the end of June, the fundraising will have to be via the internet for now, but there will be plenty of sponsored walks etc. taking place next year. The more, the merrier... so why not get involved?

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and secure. Once you donate, your money goes straight to SADS UK and Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation made- simple! Where would we be without technology?!

Please dig deep and donate.

 

Tristan Barrett 18/10/1991-07/08/2010