Bury St Edmunds teen set for sponsored skydive for Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

Published: 05:00, 04 February 2021

| Updated: 14:16, 04 February 2021

A teenager is braving his fear of heights to raise money for a mental health charity after his brother tragically took his own life.

Richard Watson, 18, is gearing up for a sponsored skydive to support Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). It will all be to honour the life of Morgan McGlynn, who died aged 19 during the first lockdown.

Richard, who lives in Bury St Edmunds, said: “Morgan had suffered with his mental health for a few years but I did not understand its hold at all. Lockdown broke the camel’s back (for him), it put a lot of pressure on, he must have been suffering.”

Richard Watson and his girlfriend Molly are taking the skydive with four of their friends.

He added: “I wish I could have done something. But there is nothing that can be done now to bring him back. I am now wanting to help the charity to help someone else who might be going through something similar.”

Richard, who also has an older brother and two half siblings, will be joined by his girlfriend Molly for the skydive and their friends Max, Tom, Archie and Will.

“I have always been a complete wuss for heights,” said Richard, an apprentice engineer in Stowmarket. “I get panicky, it is my biggest fear.

“But I always wanted to do it, so I thought, why not? When Morgan passed away it made me think there are things on your bucket list and you have got to get out and do them.”

Morgan McGlynn died last year at the age of 19 having suffered with mental health problems.

The skydive was originally planned with the target of raising £1,000 for CALM, a charity which provides help and support for people in mental health crisis. The target has now been raised to £1,500 after donations poured in.

They are now set to jump out of a plane at 13,000ft with an instructor after they take off from Beccles UK Parachuting Centre. The jump is set to be on May 8, Covid-allowing.

Richard, who has also lived in Rattlesden and Haughley, added: “I am feeling a bit nervous but looking forward to it.

“I am now wanting to get out and get on with it, and raise some money for charity.”

To donate to the group effort, visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/richard-watson2002

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Bury St Edmunds Suffolk Homepage William Mata