Skydive event on World Mental Health Day raises over £12k!

The Mayor of Woking braved the skies with a team of 9 others to jump out of a plane from 15,000 feet, to raise money for local mental health charity Woking Mind. The team, including staff, volunteers, and supporters, aged between 21 years and 74 years, raised almost £10,000 which will go towards free mental health support services for people living in Surrey.

The skydive was organised to mark World Mental Health Day and to help break down the barriers of reaching out for help. Many of the team used this to face their own personal fears, to help raise awareness of the services that are available to anyone struggling with their mental health.

The tandem skydives took place at Dunkeswell Airfield in Honiton, one of the UK’s leading parachute schools. It included a 60 second freefall before a descending canopy ride above the Blackdown hills into the dedicated drop zone.

“It is for a good cause and lots of money is being raised not just by me, but everyone on the team here so for that reason, I’m quite excited and that’s what it’s all about.” Liam Lyons, Mayor of Woking. (before the skydive).

“It was the most surreal experience that included a bundle of emotions from nerves and fear to a sense of achievement. Never would I ever have skydived it wasn’t for the genuine impact of Woking Mind’s support on people’s lives, that I see in my role at Woking Mind.” Mandy Dhingra, Marketing & Fundraising Director.

“It was an amazing experience – I loved every second of it. Not only did I get to experience something I’d always wanted to try but the fact that it raised so much money for a cause so close to my heart made it a double-whammy!” Tasha Feddery, Woking Mind Walking For Health Coordinator & Wellbeing Group Facilitator.

“I’ve waited 40 years for this!” Keith Feddery, Woking Mind Supporter.

“It was something I’d never have done without supporting this fundraising. It was an amazing experience, faced my fear and came out with the biggest grin.” Sue Bailey, Woking Mind Mindfulness Programme Lead.

“I had a bast and I would absolutely do it all over again.” Chloe Thomas, Woking Mind supporter.

“Once in a lifetime experience for a fantastic cause.” Barni Cadirci, Woking Mind supporter.

If you would like to fundraise for Woking Mind, please contact [email protected]