PRESS RELEASE
CHANGE FOR KLEYO
Campaign for Safety in Extreme Sports
Ten years ago, Kleyo De Abreu tragically lost her life during a bungee jump in Spain that was run by unqualified operators. This preventable incident exposed the lack of safety regulations in the extreme sports industry — not just in Spain, but across Europe and the wider world.
Kleyo, a 23-year-old British citizen, had recently moved from South Africa to live with her father in the UK. Her life was full of promise. She was creative, compassionate, and preparing for a new chapter with plans to marry. During a visit to Morocco and Spain, Kleyo was taken bungee jumping by relatives. The jump site was operated by an unlicensed company with no professional oversight. The equipment was miscalculated for her weight, and she fatally struck an old stone bridge below.
Since that day, her father, Rev Bernard Atwell, has fought to honour her memory through a campaign called CHANGE FOR KLEYO — calling for urgent reform and regulation within the extreme sports industry.
In the years following Kleyo’s death, more individuals — especially young people — have suffered serious injury or death in similar unregulated activities. This is a silent epidemic that continues without clear international oversight.
As we mark the 10-year anniversary of her passing on July 21st, 2025, the Change for Kleyo campaign is being renewed with focus and resolve. The campaign aims to:
Push for EU and global regulatory standards for extreme sports operators
Advocate for mandatory training and licensing for operators
Raise awareness of safety issues among youth and tourists
Provide a voice for families affected by such losses
A memorial gathering will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday 21st July 2025, outside Lambeth Town Hall in London. Members of the public, media, and campaign supporters are warmly invited to attend.
Relevant Media Coverage:
The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/31/spanish-police-charge-two-men-kleyo-de-abreu-bungee-jumping-death
The Independent: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/bungee-jump-death-live-british-woman-leaps-to-death-off-spain-bridge-10406314.html
TIME Magazine: https://time.com/3968221/british-woman-kleyo-abreu-bungee-jumping-death/
BBC News: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-33618917
Sky News: https://news.sky.com/story/bungee-accident-victim-was-sweet-and-caring-10351761
To support the campaign:
website1: https://sites.google.com/view/changeforkleyo-org/home
Website: https://changeforkleyo.org
Merchandise: https://changeforkleyo.org
Contact: changeforkleyo@gmail.com
Instagram/Facebook/TikTok: @ChangeForKleyo
QR Code available upon request for donations and sign-ups
About the Founder
Rev Bernard Atwell, father of Kleyo, has been a tireless advocate for safety reform. As a father, campaigner, and speaker, he remains dedicated to ensuring no other family must endure the pain his has.
“Each time I hear of another life lost, I relive the anguish. But for every life saved — whether one or a billion — it will be worth every second. This is Kleyo’s voice now. A voice of care, a voice of hope.” — Rev Bernard Atwell
Be Atwell