Published on: 28th July 2015
Skydiving Hannah Gration is set to take a 15,000 foot plunge in a bid to raise money for a vital service that has helped her battle against illness.
Hannah (32), who has suffered with anorexia nervosa since the age of 14, will make the charity parachute jump to raise funds for Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust's (LPFT) Eating Disorder service.
The daredevil patient has been using the team's innovative Day Programme and has already raised over £500.
The Trust's Eating Disorder service provides county-wide help for men and women over the age of 16 who need support and treatment for disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia.
Their Day Programme offers more intensive support, hopefully preventing hospital treatment and keeping patients closer to home.
Hannah, who will make her tandem jump from Hibaldstow Airfield, in North Lincolnshire on 30th July, said although she's slightly afraid of heights, she can't wait to take the giant leap.
I've never done anything like this before and I've been really overwhelmed by people's generosity so far.
The service has been my lifeline, and I really wanted to acknowledge what they've done for me and how important it is that others like me get support.
Hannah explained that although she's battled with anorexia for a number of years, it didn't really manifest itself until she went away to university.
She moved to Lincoln three years ago and has been hospitalised twice, but she's been attending LPFT's Day Programme three days’ a week since last October.
I started skipping meals, hiding food, pretending I'd eaten when I hadn't - all very secretive behaviours.
The Day Programme helps you challenge the things you're afraid of and your thoughts and fears with food.
But eating disorders aren't just about food, it's a symptom of a bigger illness but food becomes the main focus.
The programme keeps me on track and makes me realise there's light at the end of the tunnel.
There's still a long way to go but I think I've learnt that eating disorders aren't necessarily something that you can suddenly get over.
Staff at the Day Programme do an amazing job for so many people and there needs to be more awareness for the treatment that is available for people like me.
If you'd like to sponser Hannah for her skydiving challenge you can do so by clicking here.
