Graham, who lives in St Neots, has been a volunteer at the EACH’s Milton hospice in Cambridge for two years, giving a day a week of his time to help in the maintenance department. During this time he has become so passionate about the charity that he decided to take on the abseil to raise additional funds. His wife Kim, who works as a nurse at Hinchingbrooke Hospital, is never one to shy away from a challenge has decided to join him!
Graham, 55, explained: “I worked as a Chartered Surveyor for many years, however I was forced to retired just over two years ago due to ill-health. I felt a strong need to put 'something back' and help others far less fortunate than myself. I've been volunteering at Milton in the maintenance department for two years and from the very start everyone was so friendly which makes it such a nice place to be. Although I have no direct contact with the children, I like to think my contribution helps to keep the hospice running smoothly.
“Last year Kim took on a skydive in aid of EACH – which she absolutely loved! I wasn’t able to take part due to my health conditions however when the abseil was advertised I jumped at the chance. It was something we could take on together and make a financial contribution to a very worthy cause at the same time.”
Kim Shipley, who’s 53, added: “I’d heard about EACH but since Graham has started his voluntary work there I’ve learnt so much more about the vital work they do with families.
“My skydive last year was a tremendous experience and I managed to raise £750 for the charity. Graham talks a lot about his voluntary work at the hospice - it’s something that he really enjoys and helps him to keep going through his health concerns. It’s a great feeling to be giving something back to a charity that does such amazing work throughout Cambridgeshire.”
The thrilling event will see plucky participants scaling the 70ft abseil from the roof of the Park Inn by Radisson in the city on Saturday 18th April. As one of the areas tallest buildings it will offer a birds eye view of the surrounding area including Peterborough Cathedral.
The abseilers will be in the safe hands of professional company, Creation Climbing Centre, who will be running the event on the day.
Beccy Gillings, EACH Cambridgeshire Fundraiser, said: “We’re so pleased that Graham and Kim have chosen to take up the challenge of our Peterborough Abseil. It’s lovely that someone who already donates so much of their time already feels they can give more effort to fundraising.
“There’s still space left on the abseil if you’ve got a head for heights and would like a challenge!”
To sign-up for the abseil visit: http://bit.ly/PeterboroughAbseil or call: 01223 205180. (Please note online registration will close at 4.30pm on Friday 17th April).
Entry fees are £15 per person, with a minimum sponsorship figure of £85 per person for anyone aged 17 and over or sponsorship figure of £30 per person for anyone aged 16 and under. Sponsorship raised from the event will provide care and support to life-threatened children and their families across Cambridgeshire.
To sponsor Graham and Kim for their EACH Peterborough Abseil visit https://www.justgiving.com/Kim-Shipley1
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