It did not take long to find enough brave volunteers for a wacky wing walk in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.
Places were soon filled by supporters looking to escape lockdown blues by enjoying the thrill of a lifetime on top of a classic 1940s Boeing Stearman biplane.
High flyers include seven female Hospice staff, all terrified by the prospect of soaring through the skies above Gloucestershire in June.
Health care assistants Joanne Helm, Jill Harding, Caroline Allen and Pam Webster will be joined by complementary therapist Gill Black, staff nurse Laura Parker and fundraiser Bethan Wade.
Top (from left): Laura Parker, Jill Harding and Joanna Helm. Bottom: Bethan Wade, Gill Black and Pam Webster. Middle:Â Caroline Allen
Mum-of-three Joanne said: “I’m not very good with heights and can’t get past the third rung of a ladder when I’m decorating. But I love my job and the hospice desperately needs fund, so I’ve plucked up the courage to overcome my nerves.”
Caroline said: “I must be crackers, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to raise much-needed funds for the hospice after a really difficult year.
“I’ve worked at the Hospice for nearly four years now and every day I witness the wonderful work everyone does there.
“This last year has been especially tough with the lack of fundraising events happening, so I thought it was time I stepped up and did my bit to help out. Plus, on a personal level, I needed something to make up for the lack of excitement in my life over lockdown!”
The Hospice has had a special place in Jill Harding’s heart since her late mum Mary Barber was a patient there 18 years ago.
Jill held her wedding reception in the Sunflower Centre so Mary could attend before she passed away, aged 58.
Jill later became a volunteer and then joined the staff. She said: “Mum was only a patient for eight days but as a family we were blown away by the love and care she received.
“I adore my job and thank my mum every day for guiding me in this direction. I’m always looking for ways to repay the Hospice and what better way than to accept a challenge.”
Both Bethan and Laura must conquer a fear of heights for the 10-minute flight and like their colleagues will be spurred on by fundraising.
After giving inspiring talks about fundraising at memory walks, Pam is tackling her own special solo walk.
Wing Walk –Â The challenge facing the wing walkers.
All their individual JustGiving pages are available via the links below:
Bethan Wade – Challenge Events Coordinator – www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bethan-wingwalk
Joanne Helm – Health Care Assistant – www.justgiving.com/fundraising/joanne-helm1
Gill Black – Complementary Therapist – www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gill-black1
Jill Harding – Health Care Assistant IPU – www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jill-Harding2
Caroline Allen – Health Care Assistant IPU – www.justgiving.com/fundraising/c-allen8
Pam Webster – Health Care Assistant IPU – www.justgiving.com/fundraising/pamela-webster11
Laura Parker – Staff Nurse –Â www.justgiving.com/fundraising/laura-parker47
