Close to midnight on 10th May ‘19 I lost my dear Mum, Sue. To celebrate her life I’ve decided to throw myself out of a plane and do a skydive which I’ve wanted to do for a long time, but never had the courage!  Thanks to John and Johnathan who’ve given me the nudge I needed with this awesome gift. 

They say ‘life begins at 40’, but sadly my 40th was the last time I celebrated with her, before she had a freak fall, tragic accident.  The hospital and air ambulance were amazing who transported her that dreadful evening. Prior to this, she suffered greatly with mental health issues (more seriously from 2017) and I’ll always now treasure my 2016 Christmas in New York experience together. 

To say I’ve learned a lot about ‘poor’ mental health over this time is an understatement. Your mind is complex, it’s scary and I’ll always wonder why I couldn’t do more to help.  In some small way I’m hoping this is.  I’m a huge believer that medication does not cure everything and if talking therapy was more accessible within wards, I strongly believe this would have been a huge help.  

So, I was torn between picking the obvious charities for my jump (Air Ambulance and the wider Mind charity). However, given My Mum worked for Woods hospital and my Dad served over 31yrs as a Paramedic in Glossop as well as my Stepdad recently retiring as a mental health nurse at Tameside hospital, keeping it local feels right. My family have given so much over the years around my hometown in their medical professions hence this choice. 

Whilst this is a very personal story, if any of the above resonates with you, (even if it’s just the mere thought of me literally throwing up in terror!) I’d be extremely grateful and humble for any support / donation.  

I will be jumping from 10,000 ft on Saturday 8th May at Shotton Airfield, Peterlee, which after over a year of lockdowns is pushing my anxiety levels just as high!  But now life does begin at 40 (as I’m not counting my two lockdown birthdays!).  Come on down if you're free!

Thanks for your support :)