NHS volunteer braves skydive to raise funds for mental health ward.
George Moat is a volunteer for Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW), a provider of mental health and disability services. He has raised an impressive £1,122 after jumping out of a plane last month.
The money will go towards transforming the outdoor space at a mental health unit into a peaceful horticulture garden. Akenside ward is for older people with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety or psychosis. Currently based at the Campus of Ageing and Vitality (CAV) in Newcastle, the ward will be moving to St Nicholas Hospital in Gosforth.
George has been instrumental in creating a peaceful garden area at CAV and the ward are hoping to replicate this once they move to the new site. The ward has secured funding from the Trust’s SHINE Fund to lay the groundwork for the new space. This will include accessibility improvements, ground resurfacing and upgrading planters.
Any extra money raised will help Akenside make the space as enjoyable as possible and purchase things such as plants, shrubs and seeds. On taking the leap, George said: “It was the most amazing experience ever! I thoroughly recommend it to anyone.
“I wasn’t scared at all, just a bit of nervous excitement. Jumping out of the plane and free falling at 125mph was an experience. “The money will help us so much.” George has volunteered in CNTW’s older person’s services for three years.
Last year, he won the Positive Impact Award at the Trust’s Staff Excellence Award. He was recognised for running a gardening group for patients. They built raised beds and planted bulbs to turn a derelict yard into a thriving oasis.
George said: “My reason for volunteering is quite simple really. I have been a patient with CNTW and want to give something back in any way I can.”
Tracy Every who works on Akenside said: “We are incredibly grateful to George for taking on such a brave challenge to support our ward. His commitment and generosity will make a real difference to our patients and staff, and we are truly inspired by his dedication.”
Sharon Brennan, Charity Communications and Marketing Manager at CNTW, said: “We are so grateful. George’s fundraising will make a real difference to patients on Akenside ward by helping to create a calm, therapeutic outdoor space that supports wellbeing and recovery.”
The SHINE Fund helps improve the experience of patients receiving care in CNTW’s hospital and community services by providing therapeutic activities and items of comfort. These can make a big difference to patients and their carers who are often going through one of the most difficult times in their lives.
Funding from SHINE helps provide the extras that assist with people’s care. The charity has supported patients with everything from horse riding and gardening tools to bikes and Christmas decorations for wards.
