West Dorset: Samantha to skydive in tribute to late relatives (From Thisisdorset)

West Dorset: Samantha to skydive in tribute to late relatives

10:51am Wednesday 11th January 2012 in Latest By James Tourgout

BRAVE Samantha Smith of Burton Bradstock is tackling a skydive in memory of her cousin and step-sister following their tragic deaths within months of each other.

The 22-year-old is leaping from 10,000 feet to raise awareness and money for the Young Minds charity.

It is in memory of her late cousin James Thorner and step-sister Tasmin Dalton who were both 16 when they died.

Samantha, a care worker, child minder and model, said: “I have never done anything like this before. It is in memory of James and my step sister Tasmin as well.

“The sponsorship will go to Young Minds. I don’t have a target but if I can hand in a cheque for a couple of thousand of pounds I will be happy.”

Samantha added: “It has been a horrible time. You can get really down or pick yourself up and try and see some good come out of such a situation.”

Samantha’s cousin James, 16, of Burton Bradstock, was found dead on the beach underneath cliffs between the Hive and Freshwater last September.

Tasmin, 16, took her own life in woodland near her home at Eastleigh in late July.

Samantha will tackle the tandem skydive at an airfield in Salisbury in late February.

She has already raised £750 but hopes to raise more through sponsorship – from wellwishers and from businesses.

She has set up a page on the Virgin Money Giving website but people have also been donating in a collecting tin in the Spar shop at Burton Bradstock.

Samantha said that friends and family have been brilliant, with many from Dorset and Southampton promising to watch the skydive.

The Young Minds charity aims to offer help and support to young people who suffer depression and other mental health illnesses but also help their carers and families.

Samantha also hopes to give talks in schools as she feels that not enough young people know about its work. She is hoping businesses will sponsor her in return for her promoting them on her T-shirt or in some way.

Anyone who wants to sponsor Samantha can email her at samsmith9@hotmail.co.uk or visit http://uk.virginmoney giving.com/samanthasmith89.

Visit Youngminds.com for information about the charity.