Loving daughter, 22, aims to raise hundreds for Mind in memory of mum who died by suicide

At the age of 50, mum-of-three Tracy Williams from Bedhampton took her own life in January, eight months after her elder brother died by suicide.

Tracy had planned to skydive this summer for Mind to raise funds in her brother’s memory - a mantle which has now been taken up by her loving daughter, 22-year-old Abbie Shucksmith.

‘I would never have considered jumping out of a plane,’ said childcare student Abbie.

‘I have no idea why I have signed myself up to skydive, scared, nervous and anxious; but knowing I'm doing this for my mum, uncle and for those still suffering today.’

Aiming to raise awareness of mental health issues, Abbie is channelling her grief into focusing on spreading the word about the challenge she is set to take on in June, which will see her taking on a tandem skydive at Old Sarum Park near Salisbury from 15,000 feet.

The charity is close to Abbie’s heart as she has experienced mental health issues herself, and she wants to try and help others as much as possible.

Talking about what her mum was like, Abbie said: ‘Our bond was very strong, I could tell her everything. She’s the most genuine person that I know, she’s not false. She’s kind, caring, honest and the funniest person.

‘She’d always put a smile on my face even in the bad times. When I was down, she’d always try and make me happy, bringing up good memories that we have had. She would always try and lift everyone around her.’

A fundraising page set up by Abbie for her skydiving efforts has already raised more than £500, which has left her feeling proud at the amount of support received from people she knows and some she doesn’t.

‘I’m completely shocked, family members, friends and even strangers around the world have donated and read my story,’ Abbie told The News.

‘For me personally, as well as it was for my mum, I do believe this is a charity which needs more awareness. I want as much money as possible to be raised for Mind.

‘I just like making someone else’s life better, that’s why I want to help as much as I can.’

Abbie wants to carry on her mum’s goal of skydiving to share a message of hope to others and help the charity to support as many people as possible.

‘This is not only to the memory of my late mother and uncle, but to those who still continue to suffer daily,’ Abbie said.

‘Your donation could give someone hope and help them know they're not alone.’

To donate funds towards mental health charity Mind, or to read more of Abbie’s story in her own words, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/abbie-shucksmith.

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