A woman overcame her fear of flying to raise money in memory of her father who died from bowel cancer.

Denise Knights, 48, from Kings Langley, took part in a skydive on April 29 a year to the day her father’s funeral was held.   

The achievement raised a total of £1,525 for Bowel Cancer UK.

Watford Observer: Denise has only been abroad a few times because of her fear of flying, but she did this fundraiser who died last year. Denise has only been abroad a few times because of her fear of flying, but she did this fundraiser who died last year. (Image: Alyssa Lane)

Her daughter, Alyssa Lane, said her grandfather’s death came as a “shock” and has “unpacked the family significantly”.

The 23-year-old described Terrance Lee from Abbots Langley as “the man of the family and someone we all turned to for everything”.

Watford Observer: Denise was supported by her family and her three-year-old granddaughter VioletDenise was supported by her family and her three-year-old granddaughter Violet (Image: Alyssa Lane)

Despite Denise’s fear of flying and having only been abroad on a few holidays, Alyssa believes her mum was able to complete the challenge because she was “doing it for her dad”.

“I believe that is the only reason she was able to stay so calm and achieve such an amazing goal,” Alyssa said.  

Denise, a mother of two who works at a primary school, was not the only member of the family to take on a fundraising activity.

Her husband, Russell Knights, 52, is one of 10 friends who cycled from Coventry Ska Museum to Kings Langley in honour of their friend, Carl, who passed away.

Watford Observer: Russell (centre) and his friends raise money in memory of their friend Carl. Russell (centre) and his friends raise money in memory of their friend Carl. (Image: Alyssa Lane)

Every year the group chooses a different charity to raise money for and this year the £3,261 donated went to Prostate Cancer UK.

Russell, an insurance surveyor, and his friends listened to ska music throughout the journey as it was their friend’s favourite genre.

The trip, which took place between April 20 and 23, was the equivalent to doing a lap of the Isle of Wight.

Watford Observer: Eight of the 10 team members pictured on this year's charity cycle. Eight of the 10 team members pictured on this year's charity cycle. (Image: Alyssa Lane)

Last year Russell, a father of one and stepfather of Alyssa, and his friends raised money for MIND doing a 90-mile journey.

Alyssa said: “We are so proud of Denise and Russell for working so hard and overcoming fears for causes that really matter.

“I know that Carl and my grandad Terry will be looking down so proud that they are making a difference in honour of their names.”

Alyssa added that donations outside the JustGiving pages meant the overall count between the two fundraisers came to £6,500.