Firstly, I just wanted to mention the cost of both Sky Dives will be fully paid for out of our own pockets! 100% of the funds raised will go to SANE.  Our Sky Dives are booked for Sunday 24th May 2015 at Headcorn Airfield. You are welcome to come cheer us on!

As you might be aware, I was diagnosed with the barely documented mental health condition, (Chronic) Depersonalisation Derealisation Disorder in 2014.  I am not exaggerating when I tell you it has turned my world upside down.  Since diagnosis, my life has been a whirlwind of psychiatry/GP appointments, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy sessions (which I have paid for privately) and prescription meds.  It has been frightening and intimidating but I am getting through it, thanks to my dear loved ones providing me with wonderful support.

Since diagnosis, I have chosen to become active in the mental health community - albeit mainly online to date - via my blog, twitter and a couple of specialist forums - shout out to dpselfhelp.com!  In these months of writing and reaching out, the number of other mental health sufferers I have spoken with online has been extraordinary.  Sadly, there have been a number of rather upsetting running themes in our conversations.  To name a couple; I have heard countless people tell me how their illness leaves them feeling weak, isolated and full of shame. I, too, have felt like this at times.  Also, the amount of people telling me they are being refused access to the specialist care they so desperately need due to lack of funding is heartbreaking.

Therefore, I feel we need to cherish and support the mental health charities out there, doing more than "their bit" and this is where SANE comes in.  To outline a couple of key facts for you:

* SANE have a helpline/text care system for mental health sufferers in times of crisis (I have the number programmed into my mobile).  This is manned by fully trained volunteers

* SANE have fantastic online forums.  These give mental health sufferers a safe place where they can discuss their circumstances confidentially, without fear of prejudice and judgement.   The forums are, again, manned by fully trained volunteers

*SANE carry out crucial Psychosocial and Neuroscience research 

* SANE go into the community and provide first hand support

* The SANE website gives mental health sufferers an outlet to tell their own story and raise awareness of their particular condition and struggles.  

The list is endless, really.  Since discovering SANE I have become quite active with them.  Not only did I have my own story published on their website (http://www.sane.org.uk/how_you_can_help/through_your_eyes/story/981).  
I am proud to say I was yesterday accepted to become one of their Media Volunteers.  Meaning I will be, when required, telling my story via various mediums and becoming a voice to a community who desperately needs to be heard.

I have learnt first hand how mental health is criminally underfunded.   This is why I chose to fundraise for SANE.  I told Liam of my crazy idea and, just like every other challenge I face, he wanted to be by my side and jump with me.

We have chosen £200 as our target figure but obviously the sky is the limit! Excuse the pun! Emma at SANE tells me that £200 will "provide 30 people with the vital first 30 minutes of emotional support, to start them on their road to recovery.  That amount of money will also allow SANE to stay with them for as long as that journey takes".

Out of all the possible events to complete, I chose a Sky Dive as it demands strength and courage.  To change opinions of mental health and I guess just to re-instil some well needed self-esteem and remind myself that, actually, I am strong.

Thank you so much for your generosity. You are fabulous people!
All our love,
Lauren & Liam
xxxx

 

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