Children’s Ward staff take to the skies for charity
Date of release: 4 April 2025
Paediatric staff from Wolverhampton will be taking a leap into the unknown by jumping out of an aeroplane at 13,000 feet to raise funds for young patients and their families.
Staff from the Children's Ward
Nine members of staff from the Children’s Ward at New Cross Hospital will be taking part in a tandem skydive from 13,000 feet at Whitchurch Airfield.
Most of the team will take the plunge on 14 June, with one member jumping on 12 July.
The skydiving challenge was originally Staff Nurse, Catherine Owen’s idea, making it even more special as she will be celebrating her birthday on one of the jump days.
Sophie Ruskowski, Junior Sister, said: “None of us have done anything like this before and we have a mixture of feelings from excitement to terror but all feel that this is a very worthwhile cause and an opportunity not to be missed.
“We just want to improve the patient experience for the children we treat and their families.
“The team have been fabulous and are really passionate to raise as much money as we can.
“We also have a diary full this year of challenges to help.”
The team has a number of fundraising events planned for 2025, but this skydiving event is its biggest challenge. Staff aim to raise funds to improve the experience of the children, young people, and their families who receive care on their ward.
As a group, they will also complete five more challenges throughout the year, which include the Wolverhampton 10k, Great Birmingham Run, Wolf Run, Inflatable 2.5k run and finally finishing with the Wolverhampton Half Marathon.
Amie Rogers, Fundraising and Lead Digital Engagement Officer at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity, said: “A huge thank you to the Paediatric Team for their support and willingness to take on a number of fundraising challenges in aid of the RWT Charity this year.
“Your generosity will make a huge impact and difference in supporting young patients and their families when visiting the ward.”
To donate visit JustGiving - Children's RWT
