A Northumbria University student who has suffered from depression and anxiety is raising awareness of young people’s mental health issues by jumping out of an aeroplane on World Mental Health Day. (10 Oct)
Liam Russell (19) from Walkergate would appear at first glance to have everything – a loving family, lots of friends, a place at University studying Media and Journalism and even a hobby that sees him interviewing top celebrities such as Lorraine Kelly, Phillip Schofield and Sam Fender. But for the past four years, Liam has battled with his mental health.
“Every few months, my mental health takes a down turn and on October 10th 2020 which is coincidently World Mental Health Day, it will be six months since the last time I tried to take my own life, “said Liam.
Since then, Liam has changed his lifestyle and his self-belief and confidence has grown. “I’m in a much better place than I was six months ago. I realised that help and support was available and I am starting to feel like the old Liam again. I do realise however that I’m not the only one who suffers as one in four people suffer from a mental health illness in England, most of which are suffering in silence. “
Liam will be “falling with style” through the clouds from 10,000ft at 125mph strapped to an instructor at the Peterlee Parachute Club raising funds for Mind.
Mind offers information and advice to people with mental health problems and lobbies government and local authorities on their behalf. It also works to raise public awareness and understanding of issues relating to mental health.
“On my tandem jump I’ll have someone with me every foot of the waydown but for mental health sufferers there isn’t always that support near to hand and many people feel alone and isolated. I will be jumping to raise awareness and much needed funds and I also hope that my celebrity contacts will see my social media posts and help spread the word.”
To donate to Liam: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Liam-Russell6
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Media Interviews: keith@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951
Photos Shows Liam with Lorraine Kelly and Liam with Sam Fender