On 25 June 2019 my mother took her own life, and mine and my family's lives changed forever. For those who know me, typing that sentence (let alone on a public webpage) is a pretty big deal. It took a lot of contemplation to do this but I think it is important to make my own small contribution to opening up a mental health topic which is still considered taboo even in 2021.

The latest UK figures show that on average just under 6,000 people take their own lives every year. It's easy to quote numbers but the wider impact is much broader much like a rock thrown into water the ripples spread outwards deeply and permanently effecting family, friends, acquaintances and the wider community. I've unfortunately seen and felt this first hand.

This last year has also been a particularly difficult time for our community's mental health generally and therefore to honor the anniversary of our family losing a mother, sister and aunt and to raise money for the wonderful and hugely important charity Mind, I am going to do another thing that for me, is a pretty big deal  – lobbing myself out of a plane at 13,000 ft skydiving over Dubai.

Mind is the leading mental health charity in England. They believe no one should face a mental health  problem alone. Whether you’re stressed, depressed or in crisis. They will listen, give support & advice, & fight your corner. Ultimately, Mind's work prevents other families from going through the same heartbreak as we did.

For those in Dubai who are also keen/willing to throw themselves out of a plane with me (a sentence I never thought I would type) please let me know. The more the merrier and a post-jump adrenaline filled lunch will certainly be on the cards.

 *Current plan is to do this on June 25 - subject to UK quarantine requirements which may mean having to leave the UAE beforehand. The skydive itself is tandem and self-funded.

Finally, a quote from my favorite author and mental health advocate:

"Suicide is not selfish. Suicide is, normally, death caused by the illness of depression. It is the final symptom. A final collapse under unbearable weight. Suicide is a tragedy." – Matt Haig

 Thanks so much for reading - really grateful for any support you can give.