In July 2018, Andrea faced her fears and completed her very first skydive. After losing her sister-in-law in 2014 to suicide, Andrea knows just how important mental health support is and what a difference receiving this support early in life can make.

She raised an incredible £985 for Place2Be and loved the experience so much that she’s now a student skydiver!

What made you decide to take on a skydiving challenge?

I have always wanted to do a skydive but had been too scared to arrange it, but when I knew I wanted to fundraise for Place2Be, it seemed like the perfect opportunity. Going up in the aeroplane and waiting at the edge of the door ready to jump out, the thoughts of how these children would be helped by the work Place2Be do kept me going and made me do it.

Why did you choose to support Place2Be?

I lost my sister-in-law in 2014 to suicide (my husband’s sister), she was aged 30 at the time. To hear of the struggles she went through before passing away made me realise just how vital early intervention and prevention support is at an early age. The stigma around mental health only started to be really challenged around the time she passed away and the Heads Together campaign led by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex has been fundamental in putting mental health on a national agenda. I found out about Place2Be through seeing on the news about the Duchess of Cambridge being their patron and when I read more into the work they do, I was blown away with their work not only for children but also parents and carers.

What was the best part about your skydiving challenge?

The sense of freedom and flying, I felt like I was literally on top of the world. It was an emotional experience even as I was free-falling, I knew my sister-in-law would be so proud and that something positive had come from the most devastating circumstances.

Would you do it again?

I enjoyed my skydive so much, I am now learning how to be a skydiver! I am a student skydiver and have currently done 6 solo static line jumps!

Do you have any tips or advice for anyone thinking of doing a skydive for Place2Be?

Do it - don’t let the fear stop you, the sense of helping these children will get you through any fear. It was so much fun and I would encourage anyone to do one.

Feeling inspired?

Supporters like Andrea help to make a difference to children and young people's mental health. If you're inspired by Andrea's story, take a look at our skydiving events.