My reasons for this Sky Dive are threefold, but are all connected.
Firstly, it's something I have always wanted to do - but have never had the balls to book before now.
When I lost my little brother Jack, on 29th September 2018, I was shaken to the core. The reality of how short life really is hit me hard and I made a promise to myself and to him that I will follow my dreams, continually work on my goals and try to live a life filled with love, kindness and courage.
These last 10 months have been the hardest I've ever experienced - but they have been in many ways the most rewarding too. In losing a part of me that can never be replaced, I have really worked hard to figure out who I am and more importantly, who I want to be - what do I want to do, achieve and, eventually, be remembered for?
Secondly, the jump is scheduled for just 2 weeks after the 1st Anniversary of Jack's passing so it seemed an apt albeit slightly crazy way to commemorate him.
Thirdly, this jump has been organised by Start 360 - a charity that helped and supported Jack, a charity that he spoke incredibly highly of and hoped to one day be able to give back to. So, in his absence and in his honour I would like to do this for them, for him.
Start 360 help young people (and their families) in Northern Ireland facing a whole host of different problems. Being from the South of England myself, I was dumbfounded when looking with Jack into help available for him, there just isn't as much support there as we have access to over here. This in itself makes Start 360 all the more important as a charity to fundraise for, because they have a big job to do and all the staff and volunteers work really hard to support their young people.
Young people are the next generation. And to be even a tiny part in helping this charity to help as many of them as they can really matters to me.
Start360 puts everyone at the centre - by donating to us, you are helping us to support young people, adults and families who need that bit of extra support in their lives. You are helping us to sustain and grow our work across Northern Ireland. We are always grateful for any amount given. Thank you!
