Phillipene’s Final Leap: 15,000 ft Above Cockerham

After three decades of raising money for charity, Phillipene Hayle-France chose PTSD Resolution for her last big challenge.

On Friday 16th October, Phillipene jumped out of a plane above Cockerham, Lancaster. At 15,000 ft, it was the highest parachute jump available in England - and she did it to raise money for PTSD Resolution, the charity that provides free therapy for UK Veterans, Reservists and families living with trauma.

This jump was Phillipene's final fundraising event after 30 years of charity work - and while high winds forced a one-day postponement, the weather on Friday made up for the wait: "The day was beautiful with sunshine all around me!"

Why she jumped

For Phillipene, the cause is personal. She has lived with Post-Traumatic Stress since the age of four: "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."

Phillipene's diagnosis took more than three decades to arrive. It was this experience that led her to choose a charity committed to Veterans' mental health. Veterans too often have a similar experience, she said, before the jump: "Let's help the people who are forgotten about!"

"I chose PTSD Resolution to show Veterans they have not been forgotten about. And we are thankful. We are grateful for their service. Big, big thank you!"Phillipene Hayle-France

The challenge

Phillipene set a target of £1,300, because 13 is her lucky number, but with much support from friends and family she surpassed it before she left the ground. Her total now stands at more than £1,400.

The jump itself was brief. The free fall was the part she found toughest: "The scariest bit was free falling at 120mph," she says. "The best bit was getting so much money for charity!"

Afterwards she was on a high: "I am so happy I did it!"

What the money does

PTSD Resolution 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.

The charity runs without salaried staff or assets, with all funds going towards therapy, research and public information. A course of treatment costs an average of £910, at no cost to the recipient. PTSD Resolution takes no government funding and relies on donations and grants.

A finale, but not the end

Phillipene is back on the ground, but she has not stopped campaigning: "Remember, it's not too late to donate!" she says. "My JustGiving page is still open!"

"A big thank you for the support from all my family, friends and loved ones. I will never forget this, for the rest of my life!"

Phillipene's total already covers one life-changing course of therapy for a Veteran or family member. Now, each donation gets her closer to another.

She took on the highest jump in England for Veterans who feel overlooked. If you would like to help her climb a little higher still, you can donate here: www.justgiving.com/campaign/phillipene2026