THE off-season gives most event riders chance to catch their breath before winter training gets underway. One rider who is making the most of her off season is Lydia Dawson, and on January 19th Dawson is going to skydive to raise funds for Youth Suicide Prevention Ireland.

This will take place at Skydive Ireland in Co Offaly.

Dawson will not be on her own as she will be one of 40 people taking part in Skydive for Life that day. This skydive is one of three happening in the coming months to raise funds for the charity.

Speaking about why she decided to take part, Dawson said: “Everyone goes through tough times in their life, Youth Suicide Prevention Ireland work hard to provide supports for young people.

“I’ve decided to take part in Skydive for Life 2019 and donate the funds I raise to the education department of YSPI.

“Last year there was more than one suicide per day in Ireland, and we have the fourth highest suicide rate of teenagers in the EU.

“The statistics are shocking, we need to do more to support people in our lives going through tough times, let them know it’s ok not to be ok.

“I hope that by doing this I’ll help a few people on their way to getting through difficult times.”

Donations can be made by texting YSPI SFL3298 to 50300 to make an immediate €4.00 text donation to Dawson’s campaign.