After both of us having completed a fundraiser in aid of this cause before, we both still feel a massive sense of wanting to do more to help raise the awareness and profile of mental health. This summer, we will be skydiving from 15,000 feet with a 60-second free fall to try and raise as much money as we can for the charity Mind. 

We have both individually struggled against our own mental health. What we want from embarking on a joint fundraiser, is not only to raise as much money as possible but also to help whoever we can in whatever way we can. We are both really different people from really different backgrounds and yet we both still have a very real struggle in common. We know first hand that mental health doesn’t pick and choose who it affects. It can affect anyone in any way and there’s no target demographic. We both know many other people who struggle. Too many. We feel so lucky to be where we are and have who we do.

Edd: As some of you reading this may know, the first time I decided to speak out regarding my mental health was via an Instagram post. What I said had been trapped inside of my head for some time. Whilst I now know it was maybe the wrong thing to do, one of the many problems we face is that not enough people speak up about their mental health. At the time, this was a huge problem for me as well so afterwards, I felt a whole lot better and it made me realise that speaking up was the best thing I could do for my well being. Many people supported me regarding that post, and for that, I am truly grateful.  A month after, I embarked on my 20 mile walk and raised £920 for Mind charity (not 3 grand but you know) and I can honestly say it was my most proud moment of all time; simply because I felt like I had made a difference and without doubt, it made me feel so much better about myself. However, I'm not done yet. Nowhere near. I will always feel like I can’t do enough to emphasise just how strongly I feel about this issue. I want to do everything in my power to aid this cause in life. If you were able to see my Instagram post you will know that the 20-mile walk was my first step. Well now, this skydive is my second and I will continue to do all I can to help as my life goes on, I promise you that. My aim in life is to make the greatest difference in mental health that I possibly can. Like stated before, I have had some dark times but I can now realise, we all do and that's why I cannot urge people enough to speak up and ask for help and advice from friends. I am very lucky to have my closest who look out for me when times are tough. The instigation of making this a duo fundraiser is simply because Thea is one of those people who is there for me and vice versa. Not only that but we've had similar experiences and I can now see that as a blessing in a sense because those are the people who can understand better and have more of an insight into what's really going on. What makes this fundraiser even more special this time around is that I will be completing it with someone who has a great passion just like me. This fundraiser will test my fears, the last fundraiser tested my physical attributes. If testing myself is what I have to do to then I will do it. Mental health means a great deal to me and I know it means a great deal to Thea as well, hence why we are embarking on this challenge together. Any donation is truly appreciated and it will be going to a great cause. If you are not willing to donate that is okay but all I will ask of you then is to share this as it will spread awareness which is what we need. Deep down everyone knows how tough life can be at points, so let's come together and make a difference. 

Thea: I live with depression, body dysmorphic disorder and anxiety and all the thoughts that come with them. I myself have already done a skydive for my 18th birthday to raise money for Papyrus, a charity that is close to my heart because of the role it played in helping me in some of my darkest moments. In my last fundraiser, I raised over £3000 and I put that down to the incredible support system I have around me. In posting my last JustGiving page, I also posted the rawest version of my mental health story that I have ever told anyone other than a therapist. Upon doing so, the support that I received, not just on the fundraising page, but also on all my social media’s and the emotional response I had from friends, family and even strangers was nothing short of overwhelming. It is and possibly always will be the proudest moment of my life and I encourage anyone else who relates to our stories to talk to those they care about, about theirs. I can’t describe how amazing it can be. I will leave screenshots of what was on my last JustGiving page if you so wish to read it. All I will say is that is that since last year, I feel I have come so far. I very much still do and always will struggle. I have my low points but I manage them so much better and I have people in my life now that I can’t praise enough for the support they offer me, Edd included. This time around, the cause is more important to me than ever because I have personally seen Edd face up to challenges that I know, all too well, are some of the hardest to face. We act as a support system to each other and that’s really important to both of us because we both understand each other’s struggles. I’m really proud of Edd for how far he’s come and how he is now using his experience to help others for the second time and what I doubt is the last. 

Please dig as deep as you can, we both understand times can be tough but even just a share on your social media can lead to another donation and it raises the profile of the cause in your own circle of influence so if you’re not able to donate, please do share. 

Finally, if you’re reading this and you yourself suffer with your own mental state, we can’t encourage you enough to talk. Whether it be to friends, family or a professional, we both know how much difference being open and honest about how you feel can make. We do, however, also know that it can be the hardest thing to do. We will provide some helplines if you think speaking anonymously may help you. It’s really very common to struggle with your mental health and you are most definitely not alone in how you feel. Both of us are always available to talk and we would really be happy to do so. 

Thank you very much in advance for your support. 

Samaritans: 116 123 - for everyone

Papyrus: 08000684141 - for people under 35 

CALM: 0800 58 58 58 - for men

Childline: 0800 1111 - for under 19s

The Silverline: 0800 4 70 80 90 - for older people