Nurses raise vital funds on record-breaking zipwire

(L-R: Melanie Low, Helena Breen, Melanie Nicklin and Daniel Astley at the top of the zip line)

On Saturday 17 September, three cancer nurses from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham took on the fastest zip line in the world to raise money for their patients.

The dedicated nurses, who all work on Ward 621, a chemotherapy day unit at QEHB, spent months collecting sponsorship before taking to the skies on the Velocity zip line, which is not only the fastest in the world but the longest in Europe and often reaches speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour, in Bethesda, North Wales.

Melanie Nicklin, Ward Sister, initially planned the adventure with colleague Megan Muncey, who unfortunately couldn’t take part on the day due to unforeseen circumstances. Melanie was joined by her partner Daniel Astley, fellow Ward Sister Melany Lowe, and Staff Nurse Helena Breen. The team’s fundraising efforts were a resounding excess, with £1,892 raised on their JustGiving page.

Melanie said: “We were inspired to raise money by the courage and determination that we see in our patients every day. At one point in our lives we will all feel the effects of cancer, or know someone who has cancer. All proceeds will go toward the facilities and services on Ward 621, to try and make everyone's battle with cancer as uplifting and positive an experience as it can be.”

All proceeds will be donated to QEHB Charity’s fund specifically for Ward 621, directly benefitting patients with cancer at the hospital.

Sian Averill, Fundraising Officer at QEHB Charity, said: “Thank you so much to Melanie, Daniel, Melany, Helena and Megan for all of your hard work in raising a fantastic amount of money to benefit your patients and help us to go ‘over and above’ for patients at QEHB.”

For more information about how QEHB Charity supports cancer services, go to qehb.org/qehbcancer