![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUV0UcV-HILIzhxWXraQAuez37KzmBqHhpEXLzZ_P1XiR7kRubpE8rR6ys7-8ojN2y9lxZsIaYRazdQ6aMITeTatZ9u1YRLy_GhQ27rkqh5y0qXNdwUd7S8wd750DwzJvg5_heh51Rds9/s320/Verzasca.jpg)
Mission
Remember GoldenEye? Remember the terrifying opening sequence where Mr. Bond jumps off a ridiculously high dam in the Swiss countryside? (Please find video attached to refresh your memory).
For my birthday this year (last week of July), I have decided to bungee jump off the Verzasca Dam near Locarno, Switzerland which is the highest pure free fall bungee jump in the world at a giddying height of 220m (722ft). There are no guide ropes to limit the numbing swing after the jump. Just so you know, I am extremely scared of heights and participation in adrenalinefuelled adventures has so far been 'interesting', so there's always a possibility of me coming back with a gripping story or two in return for your generosity! (My last attempt at a sky dive ended in a plane half buried in the ground and shrieks of "Run! Run! Run for your life!" I wish I was joking...
Please try and donate as much or as little as you wish.
Every pound you donate will go straight to Mind, my chosen charity. I have paid for everything associated with the Bungee jump myself.
Why Mind?
Consider this:
- According to the last Adult Psychiatric Morbidity survey approximately one in four persons (23.0 per cent) in England had at least one psychiatric disorder and 7.2 per cent had two or more disorders.
- 1.0 per cent of the adult population had Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The prevalence rate among children is also approximately 1.0 per cent.
- 5.6 per cent of people aged 16 and over reported having attempted suicide.
Having worked with patients with a spectrum of mental health problems - affective disorders, learning disabilities, I know and appreciate the value of work being done by charities like Mind. They not only provide an invaluable source of information for people suffering from psychiatric disorders but also work very closely with communities and local networks to provide specialist training, promote an accepting attitude of mental distress in employers and campaign for the rights of those affected by mental health issues. Mind is independent and envisions "a society that promotes and protects good mental health for all, and that treats people with experience of mental distress fairly, positively, and with respect."
Convinced? Here's what to do...
Please go to my
Just Giving Page and hit the neat 'Donate Now' Button and you will be presented with a range of secure payment options.
Mind and I say Thank You!
Please allow me to thank you for taking the time to read this far. I very much hope you will consider donating to Mind.
Hopefully I'll manage to pull this stunt off with no ocular or spinal damage and post photographic proof of the Mind Jump upon my return - watch this space!