A FAMILY loss has spurred a Wrexham woman on to raise money for a mental health charity.

Sandra Roberts, 51, lost her brother Brian Roberts to suicide three years ago, and is taking on a skydive in his memory, while raising funds for CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably).

She said: "I am propelled by this to help others suffering similar issues. This means the world to me to be able to do this fundraiser, in his memory.

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"Brian was a valued part of the community, a local postie in Wrexham for half of his short life. We lost him at 50 and it is the most painful thing to continue without him. There's not a day goes by where I don't think of him

"It's difficult with the cost of living but I would love everyone to please spare £1 to help me achieve my dream. This will help so many people by helping CALM to continue to reach out to others, including the people left behind affected by a suicide. It's a taboo subject unfortunately but the devastation caused by it, is heartbreaking.

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"You are left a shell of yourself after losing someone this way but my fundraising is giving me a purpose to bring suicide out into the open and try to persuade others that things can change and this is not the only route to take."

Sandra's tandem skydive at Tilstock Airfield in Whitchurch, takes place on March 16, 2024, which would have Brian's birthday month. She said her brother would have been "shocked but proud" at the daring fundraiser.

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The jump itself has been paid for by metal processing company Ardagh, who gave Brian his start in life as an apprentice electrician.

Sandra, who works in the Radiology Department at the Maelor Hospital, added: "I am beyond words, grateful at this generosity. I cried."

Ardagh's generosity means Sandra is closer to her fundraising target of £1,500.

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Several other businesses have helped offer assistance or support, such as donating items for raffles.

Sandra said: "I am so grateful, it means so much to me. Many thanks to Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Blades Barbers, M&S, Odeon cinema, Nandos, Village Bakery, Wynnstay Arms Hotel, Plas Coch pub, Sure to Please, Boots, Pizza Express and my colleagues at the Maelor Hospital for their continued support with my raffles and fundraising.

• If you would like to support Sandra's fundraiser, you can donate via her JustGiving page: http://tinyurl.com/bdhea9xs