Flying with my angel
Kelly Simms lost her teenage son Breon following a car accident earlier this year. In today’s feature, on World Mental Health Day, she explains why she took the plunge in support of Coventry and Warwickshire Mind – at the toughest time of her life
KELLY Simms took to the skies at the toughest time of her life – to honour a pact she made with her teenage son.
Kelly, 40, from Wyken in Coventry, took part in a daredevil skydive to raise money for Coventry and Warwickshire Mind.
Her teenage son, Breon, died earlier this year, aged just 18.
Determined to keep his name alive and to honour a pact that they would skydive together for her 40th birthday, Kelly braved her fear of heights to take to the skies last month.
She said: “I was very scared at first but once out of the plane it was the best feeling in the world.
“I could see the sun through the clouds, it was perfect, and I felt my boy with me the whole way.
“It was such a life-changing experience.”
Breon died 19 days after being involved in a car accident in January. His death shocked the community and attracted the attention of his favourite grime artist, Stormzy.
Kelly chose to take the plunge for Coventry and Warwickshire Mind because she believes in its work supporting people experiencing mental health problems.
Speaking before her skydive, Kelly said: “My son was a lovely, beautiful, funny boy. He played pranks on me and made me laugh all the time. He was my angel walking on earth.
“Now I want to fly with my angel, even if only for a short time, and I want to help Coventry and Warwickshire Mind because mental health is a subject close to my heart and I know it’s a charity that has supported so many people.”
Kay St Clair, Coventry and Warwickshire Mind’s chief executive, said: “We are all in awe of Kelly’s bravery here at the charity, especially in light of the tragic loss of her son, and are delighted we have been chosen to benefit from her skydive.
“Every penny she raises will help those of us experiencing mental health problems in Coventry and Warwickshire, which we hope gives Kelly some comfort at this difficult time.”
Kelly has already smashed her £400 fundraising target. You can still sponsor Kelly’s skydive at her fundraising page at justgiving.com/ fundraising/kelly-simms1
Fundraisers like Kelly are so important to Coventry and Warwickshire Mind.
Whether it’s holding a cake sale or taking part in an adrenalin-pumping activity like Kelly, the money raised is spent locally and plays a vital part in keeping services running.
Coventry and Warwickshire Mind is affiliated to Mind, the leading mental health charity for England and Wales, and forms part of the Local Mind network.
The charity offers free support to people across Coventry and Warwickshire and its mission is to provide quality services, reduce stigma and promote positive mental health and wellbeing.
Would you like to fundraise for Coventry and Warwickshire Mind?
Find out more about the charity and how you can get involved by visiting cwmind.org.uk for more information.