Belinda Bradley, of Woodbridge, prepares to plunge 13,000 feet in fund-raising skydive for Suffolk Libraries

A 26-year-old is preparing to plunge 13,000 feet from a plane to raise money for a charity that helped her ‘enjoy’ life again.

Belinda Bradley, of Woodbridge, is braving a fund-raising skydive for Suffolk Libraries on Monday, with the support of her partner Jacob.

Although terrified of heights, Belinda said she wanted to give back to the charity that helped her during a difficult time.

“I was in a very, very dark place,” she said. “Suffolk Libraries was the first place that gave me the guidance and confidence to get involved in my community and I didn’t feel so alone.”

After graduating in 2019 and making a big move from Somerset to Suffolk, Belinda started a new chapter in her life, which included looking for a full-time job.

However, being away from home and not knowing the area, Belinda said the move was quite lonely.

A few months later, Belinda was in the process of getting her autism diagnosis when the country went into lockdown. During that time, she was also diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease.

“I was the most miserable I had ever been,” said Belinda. “With my autism diagnosis, I was learning that being sociable was much harder in the real world, even without lockdown.

“Additionally I was navigating another new diagnosis all whilst being stuck at home. I felt truly lost.”

Belinda said that seeing a Facebook post from Suffolk Libraries advertising an online fitness class is what saved her life.

She then joined other clubs at the library in Woodbridge and is now a volunteer and a board member.

She said: “It was the only place opened during Covid but I needed a library card so I signed up and I was immediately met with such lovely people.

“It was very much their emotional support and their willingness to help. They got me into so many clubs and they give me everything.

“I was very depressed at one point and the library got me out of that. They helped me write a referral to talking therapy, which I don’t think I would have done myself.

“They gave me the confidence and support to also apply for a job, because with all these diagnosis I didn’t think I could manage a full-time job but I did.

“I don’t think most people know Suffolk Libraries is a charity, and I know they get some government funding, but not enough to survive.

“They’re doing a lot to help people who were in my position, but with the cost-of-living crisis, I’m quite desperate to make sure they can carry on helping people.

“I hope this crazy activity will impress others enough to donate some cash.”

To donate, click here.