Shirley Ballas, renowned head judge of Strictly Come Dancing, is embarking on a series of daring challenges that are more than just thrill-seeking endeavors.
These feats hold deep personal significance as Shirley throws herself out of her comfort zone to support the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), a charity focused on suicide prevention.
Her decision to take on these extraordinary tasks stems from the tragic loss of her brother, David, who committed suicide over two decades ago.
The first leg of Shirley’s Skyathlon begins on August 8, with an exhilarating ride on the world’s fastest zipline across Penrhyn Quarry at Zip World, near Bethesda, Wales.
This experience is aimed at helping her acclimate to heights before facing even more daring challenges.
Following the zip wire ride, Shirley will undertake a wing walk 700ft above the ground and culminate the Skyathlon with a daring 13,000ft skydive.
In a recent interview with BBC Breakfast, Shirley emotionally explained the motivation behind her participation in these daunting events.
The loss of her brother and a close friend to suicide has deeply impacted her life, and she wants to raise awareness about the devastating effects of suicide on families and friends.
She expressed her nervousness and fear, but her determination to make a difference in preventing suicide prevailed.
Shirley recounted the day she received the heartbreaking news about her brother’s death.
The image of two policemen arriving at her doorstep at 6am to inform her mother of David’s passing is etched in her memory.
The pain and grief from losing a loved one to suicide never truly fade, and Shirley and her mother continue to remember and cherish David’s memory every day.
They have played a significant role in raising David’s daughter, Mary, who faced the loss of both her parents due to suicide and alcoholism.
Mary has become Shirley’s hero and rock, exemplifying strength and resilience.
As a longstanding ambassador for CALM, Shirley has been actively involved in the charity’s efforts to raise awareness about suicide prevention. She was part of the powerful campaign, “The Last Photo,” shedding light on the fact that suicidal thoughts don’t always have visible signs.
CALM’s mission is to save lives by offering crucial support, driving transformative campaigns, and fostering a community that rejects living miserably.
By participating in the Skyathlon and fundraising for CALM, Shirley hopes to make a meaningful impact and prevent others from experiencing the devastating loss she and her family endured.
Her courage and determination to go beyond her comfort zone demonstrate her unwavering commitment to supporting this vital cause.
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