FIVE helpline advisors at the charity Beat, based in Warrington, will undertake a skydive on October 6 to raise money for eating disorder sufferers and their families.
Last year, Beat’s Helpline directly helped over 17,000 people on more than 27,000 separate occasions. 365 days a year, the Helpline Advisors provide support to people with all kinds of eating disorders, as well as their families, friends, teachers and doctors.
Now Charlotte Highcock, Mark Eastup, Sarah Mattis, Lauren O’Prey and Emily Dumbell want to raise £2,250 so they can help even more people.
Speaking about why they want to do the Big Jump skydive in aid of the charity, Charlotte Highcock said, “We just wanted to get involved further and show people what we actually do to get Beat’s name out there.
“We speak to a lot of people who talk about donating or raising money for us so instead of encouraging them we wanted to join them”
An estimated 1.25 million people in the UK suffer from an eating disorder, serious mental illnesses that include binge eating disorder, anorexia, bulimia and other types.
Beat’s Community Fundraising Officer Andrea Auburn said, “Every day we speak to people who tell us the Helpline has been a vital source of support and hope as they battle with and recover from their illness. The courage of the Helpline team in doing the skydive will mean even more people receive that helping hand.
“The Helpline team are joining dozens of other brave volunteers who are skydiving to beat eating disorders, raising money and challenging stigma.
“This year we are hoping to reach more than 40,000 people through the Helpline, and the dedication of all our fundraisers like is essential in achieving that goal.”
To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/charlotte-highcock
