Daring March mum Kym Feist is planning to jump out of a plane later this summer to raise money and awareness of mental illness.

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=KymFeist1

On July 12 she will complete a parachute jump in memory of a friend who died as a result of mental illness and she is looking for sponsors to help raise cash for the charity Mind.

Miss Feist has suffered with mental health issues herself including depression and anxiety and has self-harmed in the past.

In a Facebook appeal for sponsors she said: “I ask you just to read this and support me if you can thank you. There is such a stigma about mental health a lot of people don’t want to support me with raising money for Mind.

“There are so many people losing their lives because they don’t know where to turn. They think they are going to get judged or classed as weak. We’re not weak or any different to any of you. Why should we have to suffer in silence because of other people’s ignorance. People need to start talking about mental health. Someone you know may be suffering with mental health but is too scared to say something.

“You could suffer with mental health one day. One in four of us suffer with it. Could be your mum, dad, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, cousin or someone else close to you. With your help and support we could change all this.

“I suffer with depression and anxiety. I have self harmed and I have been in that dark place where I didn’t know where to turn. Didn’t know who to ask for help. Scared that people would judge me if I spoke up about it. I’m not ashamed anymore of my illness. It’s part of me and it makes me stronger and stronger every day. I wear my scars with pride. Don’t judge me as you don’t know me or my story. Ask me. I sectioned myself last year and I’m proud of myself for that. It was a hard thing to do but I did it and I have come out the other side. I’ll always suffer with it but I won’t be judged for it.

“All I ask for is the support to help someone else get the support that they need. Mind is an amazing charity that helps these people. I’m doing a skydive on the July 12 in memory of a very special person. I’m not asking for a lot, just £1 would go towards helping them support someone in need. If you can’t sponsor me then please share this post someone you know might be able to. No matter how small the donation it all helps thank you.”

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KymFeist1