Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas completes wing walk for suicide prevention charity CALM

  • Watch as TV star Shirley Ballas conquers her nerve for a charity wing walk.

Shirley Ballas completed a wing walk in a bid to raise awareness and funds for a suicide prevention charity.

The 62-year-old Strictly Come Dancing judge reached new heights on Thursday as she soared to 700ft while strapped to the top of a propeller plane which took off from Headcorn Airfield near Ashford in Kent.

After completing the challenge, she was embraced by her partner, Daniel Taylor, as she appeared to wipe tears from her eyes.

Shirley Ballas is embraced by Daniel Taylor after completing her wing walk at 700ft in the Skyathlon challenge Credit: Yui Mok/PA

Following the wing walk, Ballas told the PA news agency: “That was difficult and tough. I had to mentally be in a strong place to even climb up on the plane, never mind be strapped to it. But I’m so glad I did it.”

Ballas has now completed two out of three parts of her Skyathlon challenge after she flew through the air on the world’s fastest zipline across Penrhyn Quarry in North Wales on Tuesday.

Her final task will see her jump out of a plane 13,000ft above ground as she skydives across Peterborough on Saturday.

Shirley Ballas is raising funds for the charity Campaign Against Living Miserably, after losing her brother to suicide Credit: Calm

Asked how she feels about jumping out of the plane, she said: “This whole week has been quite terrifying for me, but I will do it because I have promised to do it for everybody and all of their loved ones, but the thought of jumping out of an aeroplane at 13,000ft, with a 2,000ft freefall … all I keep thinking about is will the parachute open?

“So, I’m a bit nervous about that – actually I’m very nervous!”

The professional dancer has taken on the trio of challenges in support of the Campaign Against Living Miserably (Calm).

The Strictly Come Dancing judge reached new heights on Thursday as she soared to 700ft while strapped to the top of a propeller plane Credit: Yui Mok/PA

She previously said she became an ambassador for the charity because she “wanted to do more” for her brother, who took his own life around 20 years ago.

Ballas is a ballroom dancer, teacher and adjudicator, and is known for being the head judge on the BBC dance competition show Strictly, which is a platform she uses to further the discussion around mental health.

She hopes her Skyathlon challenge will raise around £30,000 for Calm, which runs lifesaving services, including a 24-hour helpline and webchat.

Do you or someone you know need help?

  • CALM, the Campaign Against Living Miserably, runs a free and confidential helpline and webchat. It also supports those bereaved by suicide, through the Support After Suicide Partnership (SASP). Call 0800 585858 (daily, 5pm to midnight).

  • Mind is a mental health charity which promotes the views and needs of people with mental health issues. It provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem, and campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. Call 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk

  • Samaritans is an organisation offering confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Phone 116 123 (a free 24 hour helpline) or email jo@samaritans.org

  • If you’re having thoughts about suicide, or you’re concerned about someone else, you can download Grassroot free Stay Alive app

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