A Witchford woman braved a skydive last week to raise money for a mental health charity.

Emma Brown, 21, completed the skydive on April 19 in a bid to raise £650 for Mind following her own mental health struggles.

Emma, who opened up about her experience of anxiety and depression, said: “As someone who has struggled myself with mental health problems, I know the impact that can be made by the goodness of others.

“At the age of 16 I struggled heavily with depression and anxiety. I couldn’t get out of bed, go to sixth form, and even if I did, I would have to leave for the mental pain I felt, that I couldn’t physically get through the day.

“It wasn’t until quarantine, after six years of on and off private therapy, that I found the courage to contact the GP for further help. Without the support of my family and friends making me realise that I couldn’t go on like this anymore.”

Ely Standard: One in six people report experiencing a common mental health problem.One in six people report experiencing a common mental health problem. (Image: Michelle Brown)

Emma completed the skydive with the North London Skydiving Centre near Wimblington just a few days after her 21st birthday and has raised more than £750.

Research shows one in four people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England.

Meanwhile, one in six people report experiencing a common mental health problem including anxiety and depression in any given week.

Ely Standard: Emma said she has struggled heavily with anxiety and depression.Emma said she has struggled heavily with anxiety and depression. (Image: Michelle Brown)

Emma, who has wanted to skydive since the age of 8, added: “I found the skydive amazing. I literally had no nerves and I found the worst part was filling out the forms. The whole experience was amazing and felt so special.

“To be in a position now to raise money for people who were like me a few years ago is unfathomable, considering I never thought I’d be able to reach a stage in my life where I could feel normal every day.

“I’m in such shock at the amount of people who have come together to support me and the amazing charity Mind. I feel so overwhelmed with the positivity that has been spread by me conquering something I always said I wanted to do but thought I never would."

She added: “If I can make a difference and aid others in receiving the same support I received, or even just a fraction of it, it is better than any accomplishment I could ever make."

You can continue to donate via Emma’s JustGiving page.