The family and friends of a 19-year-old soldier who died in 2021 will take part in a skydive this weekend to raise money for charity in her memory.
Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck died at her Wiltshire barracks on December 15 2021.
She took her own life after she was sexually assaulted by a superior.
Earlier this year, an inquest found the army’s failure to take action contributed to her suicide.
The Ministry of Defence apologised for its failure to protect her and said it had stepped up efforts to reform the armed services in Jaysley’s honour.
On Saturday, her friends and family will skydive at Cark Airfield to raise funds for the Centre for Military Justice, which has supported the family after Jaysley’s death.
It provides free, specialist advice and support to people in the armed forces who have experienced sexual harassment, assault, or other abuse, as well as to bereaved families.
Jaysley’s family said: “Since the inquest, and speaking publicly, Jaysley’s story has encouraged hundreds of current and former servicewomen and men to come forward, many posting on social media and many reaching out to the family directly, to share their own experiences of sexualised behaviours, bullying and assault during service.
“Young women in particular described the additional burden they carried in the military: to avoid placing themselves in harm’s way, not to drink too much, not to ‘take a joke badly’, not to upset a male colleague by rejecting his advances, and even being told to think of the impact on a perpetrator’s career and family if they reported him.
“Many spoke of their lack of faith in the complaints process and the fear of victimisation if they did complain.”
The Ministry of Defence has yet to announce the new system for investigating serious complaints like sexual harassment, which would be independent of the single services.
Jaysley’s family said they continued to watch closely, hoping that details will be announced soon.
Her family added that the skydive was not just about change, but also celebrating Jaysley’s life and encouraging others affected by similar experiences to reach out for help.
Leighann McCready, Jaysley’s mum, said: “Jaysley’s family and friends are doing this to remember and celebrate Jaysley’s wonderful life and in the hope that her story will reach others who may be carrying their story alone.
“We want to encourage people in crisis to reach out and understand that there are people out here who can help. Jaysley would be proud of us. We are all carrying something, let’s carry it together.
“We cannot change what happened to Jaysley, but we can honour her by standing together and by speaking out for those who feel unheard.
“Jaysley’s memory drives us to keep going, to challenge what is wrong, and to encourage others to never carry their pain alone. She will always be our reason. Jaysley’s voice was taken from her, but through us it will continue to be heard, loud, clear, and full of love.”
Emma Norton, director of the Centre for Military Justice, said: “That so many people, including some young veterans, are prepared to do such a terrifying thing to raise funds for us is fantastic as well as humbling!
“We are completely in awe of them all, especially this wonderful family, and will be there to cheer them on (from the ground). Our services are specialist, unique but sadly much needed, and we are hugely grateful for this incredible support.”
To support the family, donations can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/page/leighann-mccready-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
