19 July 2023 , 10:31
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Shirley Ballas has revealed she will be taking to the sky in a trio of daredevil challenges to raise funds for the suicide prevention charity after losing her brother David and a student to suicide.
The Strictly Come Dancing judge will be facing her fears head on as she takes on the world's fastest zip line, a wing walk and a skydive this August.
Speaking to Mirror about her motivations to raise money for the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), she said: "I lost my brother 20 years ago to suicide as many people know, but two weeks ago I lost a student of 38 also to suicide and many friends and my children also this year lost friends to suicide so I'm an ambassador for CALM.
"So I thought to myself, ‘What could I do to help this remarkable charity? Should I bake some cakes? Should I have an open morning? Should I cut someone's grass and get people to pay?’ I thought, ‘I'm gonna go big.’ I have a fear of heights. I don't like flying, I don't like standing on a stool, I don't like going to high restaurants so I thought we'd embark on this Skyathalon."
Shirley will be taking on a Skyathlon challenge (PA)
The head judge is 'terrified' of heights (PA)Shirley’s Skyathlon will take place in the UK in August, with the Strictly judge first taking to the world’s fastest zip line on Tuesday 8, before doing a wing walk at 700ft on Thursday 10, and finishing off with a monumental 15,000ft skydive on Saturday 12.
Incredible moment Strictly's Shirley Ballas spun around by her ankles in dance
The head judge continued: "I'm terrified of heights, but the thought of losing one more person to suicide is far more terrifying for me."
Speaking about being a longstanding CALM ambassador, she added: "It's remarkable what [Calm] can do, I just don't want anyone to suffer in silence. And I certainly don't want anyone to feel the way my mother and I felt 20 years after losing a loved one. But, I do believe that if I'd had Calm 20 years ago, my brother would still be alive today. I believe that. We just have no education, the doctors just gave you a pill and nobody really helped."
Shirley lost her brother to suicide (PA)On the challenge, Simon Gunning, CALM CEO, commented: “Shirley is obviously a complete star and an absolute inspiration. Not only is she tackling her fear of heights by taking on the Skyathlon challenge, but she also continues to work to prevent suicide and help raise vital funds for our life-saving services. 125 people a week die by suicide in the UK. A national tragedy as horrific as it is preventable, and SHirley's dedication directly helps remove the stigma that prevents so many seeking the help they deserve.
"Demand for our services is at an all time high so we're asking asking people to help us save lives by donating to Shirley’s Skyathlon. It costs just £8 to answer a potentially life-saving call to our helpline and your donations will help make sure we’re there for everyone who's struggling."
If you’re struggling, talk to CALM on 0800 58 58 58 (UK) or through their webchat. Trained support workers are available from 5pm to midnight every day to provide practical support and advice, whatever you’re going through. To find out more about CALM , their services or for support or advice visit thecalmzone.net