Darlington teacher Mandy Phillips skydives to honor Harvey McWilliams, raising funds for mental health charity.
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Mandy remembers Harvey fondly, calling him “a lovely lad” with a heart of gold. He was a bright, caring student, always ready to assist others. Mandy remembers him as an “A-star” student.
Losing Harvey deeply impacted Mandy, especially since her brother-in-law died by suicide years ago. This personal experience inspired her skydive to raise mental health awareness and fundraise for a charity. Mandy hopes to share Harvey’s story.
Mandy, never having skydived before, saw other fundraising efforts and wanted to give back like the foundation that sponsors her son’s team. Her skydive is tackling her fears while supporting a mental health charity that helped her family.
Harvey’s father, Michael, plans a walk with seven others from Darlington to Exeter in April. They want to buy a motorhome the charity needed for their journey. The motorhome cost £500, originally priced at £1,000.
Mandy wants to help cover that cost, appreciating any support, stating that “Even £100 is money they didn’t have”. Her fundraising has raised £365 so far.
Mandy taught Harvey GCSE Food, where they called themselves the “dream team.” He sometimes needed help washing up. Mandy described him as “just your A-star pupil” who helped everyone and was a lovely lad.
Mandy ran the Great North Run last year, wanting to do something ‘bigger,’ which is why she picked a skydive this year. She asks small and large businesses to support her, wanting help with skydive costs and donations.