A grateful step-son is to jump 12,000ft from a plane to raise money for the hospital treating his step-dad still recovering from long Covid-19.

Mark Brett was first admitted to Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford in January after complaining of breathing difficulties.

The 53-year-old, of Page Close, Bean, tested positive for Covid-19 and his condition deteriorated.

He was later sent to intensive care and placed in a coma for two to three weeks when his family feared the worse.

Nearly six months on, the commercial dustman from Dartford is now in recovery but is still struggling with the effects of long Covid.

Step-son Cameron Hobbs said: "It was two days after New Years when he went in and we have not seen him properly since then.

"It was not good at all. He kept contracting different types of infection."

The recruitment manager says they are yet to receive more information on when he can come home, adding: "Only recently have we been allowed back in. It's normally Facetime and phone.

"He is still trying to do the rehabilitation but has been really struggling."

It's been a long and difficult journey to this point but Cameron wants to do something to raise awareness and say thanks to the hospital workers who helped saved his step-dad's life.

He is planning a sponsored skydive at Headcorn Aerodrome, near Ashford, on June 18.

An online fundraiser has been set up and has amassed more than £1,000 in donations so far.

"Everyone has been really good," said Cameron. "I did a skydive about two years ago and I thought I've got to do something to raise money, I can't just ask."

In the meantime, Mark is continuing his long rehabilitation and must now learn how to walk and communicate again.

"It's changed him a lot. He has forgotten how to smile," Cameron adds.

Two weeks ago the key worker celebrated his 53rd birthday in hospital and he was treated to a new iPad to facilitate calls.

His long illness has come as a shock to the family who Cameron says were all working but being "very careful" at the time Mark contracted the virus.

"Some people don't think it's real. You don't see the effects until it hits home."

Click here to view and donate to the skydive fundraiser.

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford