Two courageous Sue Ryder Nurses are set to join a group of thrill-seekers for the ‘Zip the Cow’ event on July 21.
Nestled in the heart of Leeds, Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice stands as a testament to the enduring power of compassionate care. Established to provide support and palliative care to those facing life-limiting illnesses, Wheatfields has become a vital part of the community, offering both inpatient and at-home services to patients and their families.
Wheatfields is deeply integrated into the Leeds community, fostering a network of support that extends beyond the hospice’s walls. The hospice organizes and participates in numerous fundraising events throughout the year, such as the ‘Zip the Cow’ event, where brave individuals zip line to raise money for the hospice. These events not only raise necessary funds to continue and expand services but also increase community awareness and involvement in the hospice’s mission.
Jodie Mills, 30, and Hollie Metcalf, 28, who are registered nurses at the Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Leeds, will participate in this popular adrenaline-pumping activity. The event involves climbing to the top of the iconic ‘Cow’ at the Cow and Calf Rocks above Ilkley, then soaring 270 meters across Ilkley Moor on a zip line, reaching speeds of up to 35 mph.
Jodie Mills, nurse at the Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Leeds, from Pudsey said:
“Hollie had mentioned taking part in Zip the Cow, and at first I said ‘no’ as I’m absolutely petrified of heights! However, after a bit of light-hearted banter and some persuasion, I thought about the patients we have at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice and thought about how scared they must be facing the unknown at the end of their life. In comparison, me facing my fear is a drop in the ocean and gives me an opportunity to raise money to ensure we can continue the invaluable work we do.”
Jodie Mills will be donning a friend’s fancy dress cow costume for the challenge. She added:
“A colleague had mentioned her husband had a cow suit and dared me to wear it. I’m quite impulsive and agreed to wear it and be the cow on the Cow!”
Jodie will be zipping along with Clinical Team Leader Hollie Metcalf, who joined the hospice’s nursing team earlier this year. Hollie said:
“I am part of the team on the Inpatient Unit but we work closely with the community team ensuring patients and their families are getting the care and support they need whether this is symptom management or end-of-life care.
“As members of staff, we know just how important Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice is to our local community and recognise the importance of donations. We’re passionate about what we do, and wanted to give something back to ensure we can continue our fabulous work.”
The colleagues aim to raise £500 for the Headingley-based hospice, which offers specialized palliative care and support to individuals living with life-limiting conditions.
Community Fundraiser for Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, Clare Humphreys said:
“We’re so proud that two of our wonderful nurses will be Zipping the Cow for the hospice this year. All the funds raised will go towards helping us continue to provide the best possible care for people going through their hardest times.”
Here at Sue Ryder Wheatfields, we provide comprehensive palliative care that includes expert management of pain and other symptoms, complemented by emotional, practical, and wellbeing support. Our inpatient facility offers specialized care and round-the-clock monitoring to ensure maximum comfort. The Sue Ryder Nurses, integral to our specialist team, are adept at managing pain and alleviating symptoms.
Our multidisciplinary team comprises Consultants, specialist doctors, Sue Ryder Nurses, healthcare assistants, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and complementary therapists. Together, we develop a personalized care plan that integrates your preferences with our experts’ recommendations, tailored to meet your individual needs.
Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice offers a serene and comforting environment where patients can receive specialized medical attention and holistic care. The hospice houses facilities designed to enhance comfort and wellbeing, including spacious rooms, peaceful gardens, and communal spaces that allow for family visits and moments of reflection. The staff, consisting of skilled nurses, doctors, and various healthcare professionals.
Understanding the multifaceted challenges faced by those with terminal illnesses, Wheatfields provides a comprehensive range of support services. These include pain and symptom management, psychological support, spiritual care, and social services, ensuring that every patient receives tailored care that addresses all aspects of their well-being.
Volunteers play a crucial role at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, contributing their time and skills to enhance the quality of care provided. Opportunities for volunteering range from administrative tasks and fundraising to direct patient interaction, such as companionship and respite care for families. These volunteer roles provide vital support to the hospice’s operations and offer rewarding experiences for those looking to make a difference.
Entry to this year’s Zip the Cow is £27.50 with a minimum fundraising target of £50, which will make all the difference to patients and families needing Sue Ryder’s expert care. For more information and to sign up, please visit: www.sueryder.org/zipthecow
You can support Jodie and Hollie by making a donation on their online JustGiving page: Jodie Mills is fundraising for Sue Ryder . For more information about Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, please visit: www.sueryder.org/wheatfields
Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice continues to be a beacon of hope and support for the Leeds community, demonstrating daily the profound impact of dedicated care and compassion in the lives of individuals and families facing life-limiting illnesses.
