Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 - Meet our Sky Dive Challengers!
As part of Mental Health Awareness Week three Mersey Care staff stepped up to raise funds and awareness for our charity by doing a tandem skydive.
The event took place at Tilstock Airfield in Whitchurch, surrounded by Shropshire countryside, which ensured a glorious view as they made their decent from 10,000 feet.
The three of them absolutely smashed their individual fundraising targets, collectively raising more than £1,775 to support our mental health and community services!
Flying the flag for Finance!
Mersey Care Assistant Capital Accountant, Carol Smith, took part on behalf of the Finance and Procurement Team, having previously been set to sky dive to mark a birthday milestone. She attended the dive with her son, who after seeing his mum ace her challenge has *perhaps* been persuaded to follow suite at a date in the future - so watch this space!
Ahead of the dive Carol shared with us:
"I saw the opportunity advertised in our staff newsletter and thought it was a sign to finally complete my 40th birthday skydive. Doing it this way also comes with the added benefit of raising funds to support our services, which I know through my role can always benefit from additional funding. I also wanted to fly the flag for Finance for the amazing work they do across the Trust."
Read more about Carol's fundraiser and support her achievement with a donation.
Raising Funds for the Early Intervention Team
Consultant Psychiatrist, Nismen Lathif, who works alongside the Early Intervention Team wanted to raise funds and awareness to support treatment for psychosis. It's a cause he feels incredibly passionate about, having previously taken part in the Snowdon Challenge and the Liverpool Cathedral Abseil to support his patients and service.
"This cause means a lot to me," he says. "Psychosis affects millions of individuals and their families worldwide, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood mental health challenges. By raising awareness and funds, we can support research, provide resources, and offer hope to those living with psychosis."
"I find it extremely rewarding due to be able to follow our service users journey and supporting them through their recovery. I am completing the sky dive in order to raise awareness of psychosis and to show my dedication to the team and the service users under our care."
We caught up with Tracy after the dive, which she called an "exhilarating and meaningful" experience.
"Honestly the day was amazing. Such a fantastic experience," she said.
"The opportunity to complete a skydive in support of Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust was not just exhilarating but deeply meaningful. The anticipation before the jump was intense, followed by breathtaking views that made the descent unforgettable. Knowing that this effort contributed to mental health services made the experience even more special—turning adrenaline into action for a truly worthy cause. This skydive was more than just a personal challenge—it was a powerful way to create meaningful change."
A huge thank you and congratulations to our amazing fundraisers who have gone above and beyond with this challenge. We couldn't do what we do without you!
Learn more about Tracey and Nismen's fundraisers and support their achievement with a donation.
Fancy doing a skydive for Mersey Cares?
Did you know you can register for a Mersey Cares skydive all year round? Choose your date and location and help us raise funds to support mental health and community services across Cheshire and Merseyside.