Jumping out of a plane puts it all in perspective

You have to wonder whether thingss can get any worse for job-seekers after the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has now reported a rise in unemployment for August writes Ioana Lazarov.

I'm not sure if these figures even account for us - the thousands of recent graduates unable to find and secure paid employment.

But despite months of unsuccessful job-hunting have passed and the persistent anxious thoughts surrounding the crippling jobs scene it's important to remember that others are facing a lot tougher times.

Although I'm personally unable to survive financially and struggling to make ends meet, I still want to be proactive in helping others overcome the financial hardship and organised a skydiving fund-raiser for the Action for Children charity.

The days before the jump were conflicted with feelings of joy and fear.

It felt very similar to the rollercoaster ride of the past few months of job-seeking - seeing a glimpse of hope when offered an interview, then returning to fear once informed I had yet again been unsuccessful.

Sitting at the edge of the plane, above the clouds, at 13,500ft has helped put things into perspective.

No matter how bad I think things are for me, there is someone else out there who needs greater help.

And the sense of impending doom once leaped out of the plane was overshadowed by the acknowledgement that there is beauty in this world.

The sun will always shine after some heavy rain.

Fundraising for Action for Children and doing a skydive while terrified of heights and the jump itself has helped me emerge a lot more confident about the future and determined to succeed in my chosen career path, whatever the sacrifice.

Once you've jumped from an aeroplane, with nothing more than four straps between safety and death, there is not a lot left out-there to fear.

Teaming up with my friend, Paul Kibble, we managed to raise over £1,200 and counting.

With the help of the Langar Airfield, Nottingham crew, and the skydiving instructors Ally Milne and Dave Grzeskowiak, we had a unique and exhilarant experience, as well as helping out a good cause.

These kind and generous donations will hopefully provide some relief towards the complex issues children and their families are facing during these challenging economic times.

And despite of the spending cuts, it showed that human strength, kindness and helping nature towards others in need prevails.

I would just like to thank everyone who made a donation to Action for Children.

• You can donate to Ioana's just giving page here