Northampton barber who changed career after mental health struggles takes on skydive for charity
A Northampton barber who has previously spoken openly about his own mental health and how it led him to change career is preparing to throw himself out of a plane to help other men struggling with their mental wellbeing.
Spencer Smith will take on a charity skydive on Sunday, September 20, to raise money for MANUP?, a charity which works to change the way society approaches men’s mental health.
Spencer has set himself a £1,000 fundraising target and has already raised £866 from 39 supporters ahead of the jump.
Spencer appeared on BBC Radio Northampton with Bernie Keith to discuss his own mental health and how his experiences ultimately led to a career change and becoming a barber.
Now he is putting himself through a very different challenge to support a cause close to his heart.
Announcing the fundraiser, Spencer joked: “Like an idiot I’ve signed up to lob myself out of a plane, and what better way to do it than for charity.
“If you can, please donate on the link attached to raise money for ManUp, a great charity doing some great work.
“Thank you all in advance for any donations to my parachute jump.”
MANUP? is a registered charity which aims to challenge the way men’s mental health is approached.
The organisation funds free therapy, events and research and says its approach is focused not simply on encouraging men to talk, but on listening and providing practical support.
Spencer’s skydive takes place on September 20, with his fundraising total already standing at 86 per cent of his £1,000 goal.
Donations can be made through Spencer’s JustGiving fundraising page.