Zipping across the Tyne for charity and residents

DAREDEVIL care home staff flew across the Tyne on a zipwire to raise funds for residents and charity.

Over £1,000 was raised by staff from The Oaks Care Home, in Blyth, Northumberland, after they launched themselves off the Tyne Bridge.

The home’s carers and support staff jumped from the bridge’s balustrades before zipping across the river on a cold autumn day.

The team included care assistants Samantha Porter and Linda Palmer, senior carer Sarah Geggie, care assistant Jessica Maxwell, maintenance man Chris Sogorski, senior carer Paige Gallagher, activities coordinator Natalie Brimelow, and care assistant Sarah Ferrow.

The money raised has been split between the home’s residents’ fund and the Stroke Association – the home’s chosen charity for 2018.

They added another £150 to their £542 total for the charity so far this year – taking it to £692.

The remaining funds from the zipwire challenge will help pay for activities and events for the residents over the festive period.

Sheila Keegan, wife of resident Brian Keegan, supported the team on the day with sweets and coffee.

Sheila, who donated £10 for each team member, said: “It was just fantastic to support the team. I wanted to reward each of them for their courage and dedication.”

Sam Porter, care assistant at The Oaks Care Home, came up with the idea and encouraged other staff members to take part.

She said: “I wanted to do something wacky and different. Ziplining across the Tyne ticked all the boxes.”

Home manager Ann Mielnik treated staff to a restorative tipple at a nearby hotel after their cold ziplining experience.

She said: “Many staff members wanted to take part, so we had to do it as a first come, first served basis, as we still needed staff on duty.

“I’m so proud of everyone that took part, as it took real guts to jump off the edge of the bridge.”