A former city worker and charity fundraiser who became a founding investor in a listed Kent telecoms company has died suddenly.

Christopher Fishwick, the non-executive deputy chairman of AdEPT Telecom, based in Tunbridge Wells, worked in the City of London for more than 25 years.

His death, aged 53, was announced in a short statement by the company, for which he had been a board member since 2009.

His brother Ian, who is managing director of the firm, described his passing as “totally out of the blue”.

Mr Fishwick was a vice president of Demelza Children’s Hospice and carried out much fundraising work for the charity, based in Bobbing, Sittingbourne.

“Chris brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the company and was a true foundation for its success..." - Roger Wilson, AdEPT

AdEPT chairman Roger Wilson said: “Chris will be remembered by all directors and employees of AdEPT for his fantastic contribution and support.

“He was a highly valued member of our team and a good friend.

“Chris brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the company and was a true foundation for its success. We are all going to miss him immensely and I have no doubt Demelza, who he did so much work for, will miss him too.

“My colleagues and I extend our deepest sympathy to his family.”

Demelza chief executive Ryan Campbell said: "Chris was utterly committed to supporting the charity and was extremely generous, particularly with his time, and seemingly unlimited energy.

"He was instrumental in fundraising for a new adventure playground for our Kent hospice, and his hard work ensured the idea for the amazing HMS Demelza became a reality.

"The children who stay with us, whatever their level of disability, can now enjoy outside activities, as if their disability never existed.

"He was also a stalwart supporter of many of our events, both donating prizes and attending in person and was on the Demelza ball committee helping to organise this major fundraiser for several years.

"We last saw him at our annual ball last week, when as usual he was energetically promoting our message.

"Chris was not just a supporter of Demelza, but a great friend to the organisation, and we are hugely saddened by his loss..." - Ryan Campbell, Demelza

"We were delighted when Chris agreed to become a vice president of Demelza in 2011 in tribute to all his hard work and dedication.

"Chris was not just a supporter of Demelza, but a great friend to the organisation, and we are hugely saddened by his loss.

“Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this sad time.”

Mr Fishwick, who lived near Hadlow, Tonbridge, began his career as a member of the London Stock Exchange and latterly was chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited.

He brought extensive experience of corporate life to AdEPT, which was founded in 2003 and joined the stock market in 2006.

He was on the boards of more than 15 quoted companies during his career, covering property, insurance, technology, asset management and smaller companies.

He also spent five years as a venture capitalist investing in smaller quoted and unquoted companies.

Mr Fishwick leaves his wife Shelley and two grown up sons.