In memory of Mix - why I’m skydiving for Mind
Jess blogs about why skydiving in memory of her friend Mix means so much to her.
I’m skydiving in memory of my friend Mix who sadly took his own life in July 2016. My friends and I couldn’t believe it when we heard the news and struggled to understand why it had happened. Mix always had a smile on his face and always made my friends and I laugh.
I first met Mix in 2009. I had just got into a relationship with my then boyfriend and he was so excited that he carried me around a car park over his shoulder while I laughed and screeched at him to put me down. Over the next few years, we grew apart but then managed to come back together within a completely different set of friends.
He was still the same hilarious person, just with less hair and no trench coat.
I’ll always miss his laugh and smile.
"It’s hard to think that so many people are fighting inner battles that others can’t see."
This is why we need to raise awareness of the signs that someone may have a mental health problem, and let people know what kind of support is out there.
I thought about many different ways to fundraise. Choosing to skydive was not an easy option for me, but that’s why I’ve chosen to do it. I’m terrified of heights, even watching videos of people climbing tall buildings makes me feel weak at the knees. I feel that setting myself a huge challenge will help me to overcome my fear of heights and it’s great to know that it’s all in aid of a fantastic charity. I can’t help but feel like Mix will be with me when I jump from the plane, either laughing at my expense or cheering me on (probably both!).
I have chosen to fundraise for Mind because the charity provides so much support for people living with mental health problems.
"I’ve previously been in a dark place myself, and reading useful articles that Mind has written helped me to understand depression and how it affects people in different ways."
The amount of money I will raise for Mind to help provide support through their helplines, Elefriends and much more will make the skydive worth it. Fundraising is going really well so far, my original target was to reach £500, which I managed to hit within 16 days – this was so overwhelming!
I moved my target up to £1000 and have smashed this too, raising £1,651 (and counting) through JustGiving, and £473.50 through a karaoke and raffle night at my local pub! I still have another month and a half of fundraising to go.
I’m very grateful for the support of my family and friends in the past year, including their support in helping me to fundraise.
If you would like to read more about my story or donate, please visit my fundraising page.
Information and support
When you’re living with a mental health problem, or supporting someone who is, having access to the right information - about a condition, treatment options, or practical issues - is vital. Visit our information pages to find out more.
Share your story with others
Blogs and stories can show that people with mental health problems are cared about, understood and listened to. We can use it to challenge the status quo and change attitudes.
