A PAIR of intrepid staff members from nurseries in Dorset completed tandem skydives in aid of the horticultural charities.

Nigel Short from Cherry Tree Nursery in Northbourne and Andrew Verreck from Chestnut Nursery in Poole bravely volunteered to do the skydives on Monday August 2.

The nurseries are part of the Sheltered Work Opportunities Project, a local charity that provides community, support and a safe haven for adults whose lives have been impacted by mental illness.

The charity, now in its 31st year, uses therapeutic horticulture and the resulting plants are offered for sale in the retail shops.

Bournemouth Echo: Nigel Short from Cherry Tree Nursery in Northbourne and Andrew Verreck from Chestnut Nursery in Poole completed tandem skydives on Monday August 2 in aid of the Sheltered Work Opportunities Project

Nigel said: “Mental health affects all of us at some point in our lives and these past fifteen months have seen many people at breaking point.

“Mental illness is invisible and presents differently for each person. We are receiving lots of new referrals for our charity and are committed to helping as many as we possibly can.

“I made a choice to challenge my own anxieties and fears, which are temporary compared to many of the people we work with and I can use their incredible coping skills and strategies to help me face my own particular fears of heights and flying.”

The charity works to provide a safe and inclusive environment in which people can rehabilitate, recover and come to terms with their mental health for as long or short a period as they need, and without cost to them.

Andy added: “Working at Chestnut Nursery has given me a deep respect for our Volunteers.

“The courage that it takes for them to overcome the challenges of living with a mental illness is inspiring.

“So much so that despite my phobia of heights, I challenged myself to leap out of a plane.”

The pair have raised over £500, which will go towards the Sheltered Work Opportunities Project.

Bournemouth Echo: Nigel Short from Cherry Tree Nursery in Northbourne and Andrew Verreck from Chestnut Nursery in Poole completed tandem skydives on Monday August 2 in aid of the Sheltered Work Opportunities Project

Community and Events Coordinator from Cherry Tree Nursery Ray Alderton said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has reduced our usual fundraising opportunities.

“Indeed, this was the first event the charity has been able to hold this year and as such we are very grateful to Nigel and Andy.

“We have many new enquiries for places at the charity as many people have experienced mental health problems for the first time or symptoms have worsened for others.”

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