DARE-DEVIL staff from an IT and printing company in Witham jumped out of an aeroplane to raise money for mental health charities.

EBM Managed Services Group sent founder Mick Bailey and customer care representative Leon Bunn two miles above the ground to take part in a jaw-dropping sponsored skydive.

They raised over £2,000 for suicide prevention charity Papyrus and mental health charity Mind.

Back on terra firma, Mick said: “What an experience!

!I was pretty nervous before we went, but absolutely loved it.

“And it’s even better to know we helped such great charities.”

Leon added: “It was really great to challenge myself and raise money for a charity that I feel passionate about.”

EBM covered the cost of the jump, meaning all of funds raised will go direct to the charities.

Managing director Mark Bailey said: “We’re so proud of Mick and Leon, and excited to have been able to help them in supporting these great causes.”

EBM recently adopted the ‘Where’s Your Head At?’ manifesto, a nationwide scheme which encourages business to formally commit to fostering a supportive environment where mental health issues are treated with the same weight as physical ones.

Mind is a national charity which campaigns to improve mental health services and raises awareness of mental health issues.

In mid and north Essex, it provides community services to help people achieve their aspirations and empowers them to overcome obstacles that could be detrimental to their mental health.

Papyrus tries to prevent suicide younger people by working to reduce the stigma around suicide and by training communities to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour.