Two Macmillan volunteers based at Bishop Auckland Hospital are taking a giant leap for charity. Edna Chapman and Sheila Swainston, who both admit to being on “the wrong side of 60”, have decided to take on a zip line challenge from the Tyne Bridge, Newcastle, on October 15th.
Sheila, of Spennymoor, says: “We decided to have a go at the zip line before we were too old to take the excitement and before any physical damage we sustained was irreparable.”
Sheila’s two daughters and their husbands, Helen and Mike Purcell and Lisa and Richard Armstrong, have also been persuaded to join in the challenge.
“Any support for us throwing ourselves off a bridge would be hugely appreciated either online by searching for “Just Giving – Sheila Swainston” or by post to the Macmillan Information Centre, Bishop Auckland Hospital,” says Sheila.
Edna, of Sunnybrow, and Sheila have been volunteers at Bishop Auckland Macmillan Information Centre, which supports cancer patients and their families, for more than five years.
They decided to lend a hand after the charity helped both of their families as they wanted to give back the kind support that they received.
The service offers a financial and benefits advice service, a subsidised head wear service and a monthly bra clinic with specialist help for women who have had breast surgery, offering a wide range of bras at competitive prices. Patients can also be referred to other local help and support, plus there is always a friendly face and a cup of tea and the opportunity to talk over any worries.
Anyone who would like to use the service, which includes information, benefits advice, signposting to other services and counselling, can call Macmillan on 01388 455230.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
