Barnstaple boy to do skydive in memory of father to support men’s mental health charity

A 15-year-old boy is set to complete a tandem skydive this April in memory of his father, who he sadly lost to suicide.

Sam Parry, from Barnstaple, lost his father, Simon, in February 2024. 

Now, in his memory, and with the support of his mum Donna, he is planning a 15,000ft tandem skydive at Honiton Sky Dive Centre at 8am on April 30, to mark his 16th birthday, which falls at the end of April.

Sam describes his dad, who passed away at 43, as “the type of guy that would help anyone in need without any question.”

He explained that he is only £300 away from his £1,000 target, which will go towards Andy's Man Club, a men’s suicide prevention charity offering free peer-to-peer support groups across the UK and online.

Sam said: “I hope the money raised will help any father, son, brother, uncle, grandad, nephew, cousin, all men who are struggling with their mental health and feel suicidal to be able to gain the support needed.”

Reflecting on his father, Sam shared: “We had so many great times together, and I’d hoped we could have had so many more, but sadly my dad didn’t get the help he needed before it was too late.”

Speaking about the skydive, he said: “I am looking forward to doing this tandem skydive. I know my dad would be proud of what I am hoping to achieve. I hope to reach out to all those who need it and urge them to get support when and if they need it. I know the memory of my dad will live on.”

Sam, who is in his final year at Pilton Community College, has been accepted to study engineering at college and plans to go to university before joining the military.

He also attends Army Cadets, where he has recently progressed to Cadet Sergeant and hopes to rise through the ranks.

Sam added that he has a fantastic group of friends who are “all very supportive.”

You can support Sam here.