A group of kind-hearted colleagues from a Leeds home care provider are preparing to take on a thrilling charity zip-wire ride over Ilkley this July.
The 16-strong team from Caring Folk, based in Pudsey, will be taking on the daredevil challenge to raise funds for national healthcare charity Sue Ryder, which runs Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Headingley. Jess Procter, Registered Manager said:
“We have a real connection to Sue Ryder as a lot of people we care for transition to Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice for end-of-life care. We work closely with the brilliant Sue Ryder Nurses from the hospice’s community team, and we often hear from families what fantastic care and support they have received.
“I’ve been to visit a few of our service users in the hospice and I always say to everybody that it’s the most amazing place, and where you would want to be at the end of life. The whole environment is so warm and welcoming, and the staff go above and beyond for every patient.”
Sue Ryder is also a charity that is particularly close to some staff members’ hearts as they have personally experienced its care and support. Charlotte Clemmens, a Care Assistant, will be taking on the zip line with her sister Jess. In 2013 their parents got married at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice while their mum was receiving end-of-life care.
Speaking about the care her mum received, Charlotte said:
“It was outstanding. The morning of the wedding the nurses came and got her ready and really went above and beyond by providing a private room to use throughout the day. Every time I think of Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice it makes me smile.”
Care Assistant Debbie Spaven’s father also received care at the hospice before he died in January 2023. She said:
“Dad was cared for at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in the final week of his life. He was very settled and comfortable, and all the staff were fantastic. It was a massive help to us all knowing he was in good hands, as a family we were all able to be there around his bed when he passed. We can’t thank all the staff enough for everything they did for us all.”
To raise funds for Sue Ryder and show their appreciation for Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, 16 brave members of the team have signed up to Zip the Cow, which will see them walk up to the top of the iconic ‘cow’ at the Cow and Calf Rocks above Ilkley, before whizzing 270m down Ilkley Moor reaching speeds of up to 35mph. Jess Procter, Registered Manager added:
“One of our colleagues was really keen to take part so she asked if anyone fancied doing it and there were lots of takers. Our team ranges in age from early twenties to late fifties and it’s some people are really going out of their comfort zone and facing their fears of heights!”
“The winter is our busiest time of the year with people getting ill and more hospital admissions, so it’s hard for us to all get together for social events like Christmas parties. This will be a lovely opportunity for us all to come together for some team building, while also raising funds for a cause close to our hearts.”
Jo Stevens, Fundraising Manager at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice said:
“We’re so grateful to the team at Caring Folk for signing up for this challenge to raise vital funds to support our care. There is always an electric atmosphere at Zip the Cow and it’s wonderful to see families, friends and colleagues come together to have fun, try something new and share a truly memorable experience.”
If you would like to donate to the Caring Folk team’s fundraising page, please visit: www.justgiving.com
Zip the Cow is now open for entries and will take place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 July 2023. For all the details and to sign up, please visit: www.sueryder.org
For more information about Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, please visit: www.sueryder.org/wheatfields
