In June this year we held our first ever skydive fundraiser.
Annette Gardner, a West Sussex local, took part in the skydive. She spoke to us about her experience of skydiving and fundraising in support of West Sussex Mind.
After hearing about the skydive from our fundraising lead Jay, Annette was very keen to sign up; “I was interested in connecting with and supporting West Sussex Mind, I’d also always wanted to do a skydive, this presented an ideal opportunity to do both."
Speaking about her experience, Annette said that "It was amazing and a great challenge. I felt very free, and it went by very fast. Strangely, I didn't feel nervous at all! The GoSkydive staff were very professional, so I felt safe and thought to myself “why worry?”
Annette was glad that she opted in for pictures and a video to be taken, as seeing the photographer skydiving alongside her taking pictures was her favourite moment of the skydive. After the event Annette said that she enjoyed "... the feeling of accomplishment after the skydive was over" and that she "...spoke to many people about the experience.”
Expanding upon her desire to connect with and support West Sussex Mind she said "I’ve had personal experience with mental health in the past, such as feeling stuck and low, but I also have family members who have experienced issues with their mental health. Through my work, Hepburn at Home decluttering and home staging, I even have experience with mental health and its impact upon people. Therefore, I wanted to sign up in support of West Sussex Mind and help local people with their mental health.”
Encouraging others to fundraise in support of West Sussex Mind, Annette said "It’s a win win. Fundraising events are a great way to make a difference and to do something, particularly events such as the skydive. I get to participate in and experience something thrilling and make a memory to last a lifetime, whilst supporting local people with their mental health.”
If you would like to fundraise in support of West Sussex Mind please contact fundraising@westsussexmind.org or consider signing up for one of our future fundraising events.