SHIRLEY BALLAS TAKES ON NORTH WALES ZIPLINE TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CALM

• Next week, TV personality and Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) ambassador Shirley Ballas will face her fear of heights to raise vital funds for CALM
• As part of Skyathlon, Shirley will take on a trio of daredevil challenges across the UK on the 8^th, 10^th and 12^th August, including the world’s fastest zip line, a 700ft wing walk and a 13,000ft skydive
• Shirley is also inviting two lucky people to join her on her epic skydive. To enter, just simply text the word SKYDIVE to 70215 to be in with a chance of joining the Strictly star
• To donate to Shirley’s Skyathlon head to https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/skyathlon

Next week, TV Star and Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) ambassador Shirley Ballas will take to the sky in a trio of daredevil challenges to raise funds for the suicide prevention charity.

From Monday, the Strictly Come Dancing head judge, will be two stepping away from the dance floor and facing her fear of heights by taking on the world’s fastest zip line, a wing walk AND a skydive – all to help CALM be there for more people who are struggling with life and stop more lives being lost to suicide.

Shirley’s Skyathlon challenges will be taking place across the UK on the 8th, 10th and 12th August. Her first challenge is on 8^th August in North Wales, where Shirley will fly through the sky on the world’s fastest zipline across Penrhyn Quarry.

On Thursday 10^th August, locals in Kent may see Shirley reach new heights as she takes on a wing walk and puts one foot in front of the other whilst 700ft above the ground.

Shirley’s Skyathlon finale will end on Saturday 12^th August and see her jump out of a plane 13,000ft above ground as she skydives across Peterborough. However, Shirley won’t be skydiving alone as she is inviting two lucky people to join her on this epic challenge. To join Shirley on her skydive, simply text the word SKYDIVE to 70215 to donate a suggested £5 and be entered into a prize draw to be in with a chance to join the strictly star. Check out the full prize details: https://www.thecalmzone.net/win-a-skydive-with-shirley-ballas

Shirley Ballas, who has sadly lost her brother and more recently, a good friend to suicide, is calling on people to stand with her and help CALM provide more lifesaving services for people in their darkest moments. The charity’s helpline staff receive 25% more calls during the summer months and speak to someone who is struggling every 59 seconds. Help them continue to be there by donating today: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/skyathlon

The Strictly star is a longstanding CALM ambassador and was part of the charity’s largest ever suicide initiative The Last Photo that shined a light on the heartbreaking reality that suicidal doesn’t always look suicidal. Every day 18 people in the UK tragically take their own lives. CALM exists to change this – by offering life-saving support, creating culture changing campaigns, and bringing people together across the country to reject living miserably.

Shirley Ballas, commenting on the fundraising challenge, said: “I am absolutely terrified of heights, but having lost my brother to suicide and a close friend very recently, I want to use my platform for positive change and raise awareness of the live saving services CALM offers to those struggling.

 “I’m not just doing it for me, I’m doing it for everyone who has lost someone to suicide and anyone who is currently suffering that may need support. Please join me on my challenge and donate whatever you can. It all makes a huge difference”. 

What your donation can help fund:

£8 – could help answer a life-saving call

£24 – could provide four families with suicide bereavement support materials

£50 – could pay for the digital licences, equipment and technology for a worker to receive potential lifesaving calls for three days

£80 – could provide a helpline worker with a month of professional support for their own wellbeing and development

£270 – could enable CALM to create information guides

If you or someone you know is struggling head to www.thecalmzone.net for practical support and advice.