Phillipene Hayle-France to Jump From 15,000 ft

Phillipene, who has lived with Post-Traumatic Stress since childhood, is preparing to make the highest parachute jump available in England, in aid of Veterans and military families who struggle to find the support they need.

In what she describes as her last major fundraising challenge after three decades of charity work, Phillipene will jump from 15,000 ft above Preston on Thursday 15th October. She is raising money for PTSD Resolution, the charity providing free therapy to Veterans, Reservists and their families.

Phillipene's connection to the cause is personal. She has lived with PTSD since the age of four, the result of trauma that continued for decades:

"I have had PTSD since I was four years old - from ongoing trauma until I was 37," she says. "I was finally diagnosed with PTSD when I was in my 40s. This is why I'm taking on the highest parachute jump in England this October. Yes, it is 15,000 ft! "Let's help the people who are forgotten about."

Support for the "forgotten"

That sense of being overlooked lies at the heart of PTSD Resolution's work. It is among the few organisations willing to treat Veterans dealing with addiction, or in prison, and it extends support to partners and children who may develop symptoms of trauma simply from living alongside someone who has served.

The free, brief and effective therapy is provided through a UK-wide network of 200 accredited therapists - with treatment available in-person, online or by phone. There is no waiting list and no referral or diagnosis is required.

Closing the gap before October

Phillipene has set herself a target of £1,300 - 13 being her lucky number - and has so far raised £965. She has called on friends and family (and generous strangers) to help her close the gap before October:

"Thank you for your support so far," she says. "This is a cause which is very close to my heart. This is my last big charity event, so if you would like to support me (and our Veterans) - now is the time!"

Each course of PTSD Resolution treatment costs an average of £910, provided entirely free to the person receiving it. The charity operates without government funding, relying instead on donations and grants to deliver this life-changing, life-saving service.

Phillipene's diagnosis took more than three decades to arrive. Her jump above Preston next month will last only a matter of minutes. Its impact, if it helps fund even one course of therapy, could last considerably longer.

Those wishing to sponsor Phillipene's jump can donate via her JustGiving page

About PTSD Resolution

Founded in 2009, and with over 5,000 referrals to date, PTSD Resolution is accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists to the Quality Network for Veterans Mental Health Services (QNVMHS). Completion rates are notable. Some 82 per cent of Veterans, Reservists and family members finish their treatment programme - compared with a completion rate of 54 per cent across comparable NHS services. Most clients complete therapy within an average of seven sessions, though further sessions are offered where needed.