Staff from the Tarka and Roborough wards at North Devon District Hospital have faced their fears and quite literally gone over and above to help enhance care for their patients and families.
A team of 13 nurses, healthcare assistants and housekeeping staff took on a terrifying 180ft abseil challenge at Berry Cliffs near Hartland, raising more than £2,500 to further support end of life and palliative care at the hospital in Barnstaple.
Known as ‘The Otters’, the group was among 25 fundraisers who took part in The Berry Beast Abseil, organised by Royal Devon Hospitals Charity (formerly known as Over and Above).
Senior Healthcare Support Worker Emma Beeston said staff compromised comfort zones and faced fear head on to raise money for something that was important to them.
“Not everyone will have the option to die in a hospice or at home; many people make that journey in hospital, with, or unfortunately without, family present,” said Emma.
“As a team, we want to ensure that the end of life patients we provide care for have an experience that enables them to die with dignity in the most personal, comfortable, safe and adaptable environment possible.”
The team plan to use their fundraising to help fund a dedicated private space to talk in difficult circumstances, as well as everyday essentials such as male and female wash bags, pyjamas and nightdresses, hair wash caps, Bluetooth speaker and projector, light boxes, diffusers, condolences cards and knitted hearts for relatives.
“Our fundraising doesn’t stop here so if anyone would still like to contribute, they can still make a donation online,” added Emma.
In total, the Berry Beast Abseil raised nearly £5,000 to help enhance local hospital services beyond what’s possible with NHS funding.
Fundraising manager Josh Allan said: “Massive congratulations to the Otters team and all our abseilers for conquering this gigantic cliff face.
The size of this cliff really does take your breath away so to take it on and raise money for such a fantastic cause is very special.
– Josh Allan, RDHC Fundraising Manager
“Thanks also to the instructors for Skern Lodge for such brilliant support as always and for giving everyone such a positive experience, one they’ll never forget.”
