Uel Readioff, Regional Cleaning Specialist, raised £1175 when jumping an incredible 15,000ft from an aeroplane over the skies of County Durham.

Uel took on the death-defying challenge to encourage much-needed support for ManHealth, a National Lottery Community Fund charity that focusses on providing invaluable support to men experiencing mental health issues.

In order to raise the funds, Uel freefell for an amazing 60 seconds with the support of two experienced skydivers. He said: “Even though I wasn’t left alone and thrown into the deep-end, so to speak, it was still a pretty terrifying experience. However, the adrenalin rush and knowing that I was supporting a brilliant charity in the process definitely made it more than worthwhile and, once I had finished, I just wanted to do it again!”

ManHealth provides support through peer groups that encourage men to connect with their family and friends, make changes to their diet and routines, get more exercise, reduce stress and to commit to helping others or volunteering.

Uel said: “Although our culture is definitely getting better around men talking openly about their mental health, we still have a way to go. It’s ok for men to not be ok and by acknowledging that we all find life difficult at times, it’ll be easier to talk openly about our individual experiences.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to all of those who supported me by donating money for this brilliant charity, as well as everyone at Peterlee Parachute Centre for helping me negotiate this terrifying, yet hugely enjoyable challenge. I hope by doing this and raising awareness it encourages others to actively go out of their way to support family, friends and work colleagues when they need it the most.”