TWO brave Sue Ryder Nurses will be joining hundreds of daredevils and taking to the sky on July 21 for Sue Ryder’s Zip the Cow.

Registered nurses Jodie Mills, 30, and Hollie Metcalf, 28, who both work on the inpatient unit at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Leeds, will be taking part in the event, which sees thrill seekers walk up to the top of the iconic ‘cow’ at the Cow and Calf Rocks above Ilkley, before whizzing 270m down Ilkley Moor at speeds of up to 35mph.

Jodie, from Pudsey, said: “Hollie had mentioned taking part in Zip the Cow, and at first I said ‘no’ as I’m absolutely petrified of heights! However, after a bit of light-hearted banter and some persuasion, I thought about the patients we have at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice and thought about how scared they must be facing the unknown at the end of their life.

“In comparison, me facing my fear is a drop in the ocean and gives me an opportunity to raise money to ensure we can continue the invaluable work we do.”

Jodie will be donning a friend’s fancy dress cow costume for the challenge.

Jodie will joined by Clinical Team Leader Hollie Metcalf, who said: “I am part of the team on the Inpatient Unit but we work closely with the community team ensuring patients and their families are getting the care and support they need whether this is symptom management or end-of-life care.

“As members of staff, we know just how important Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice is to our local community and recognise the importance of donations. We’re passionate about what we do, and wanted to give something back to ensure we can continue our fabulous work.”

The colleagues are hoping to raise £500 for the Headingley-based hospice, which provides expert palliative care and support for people who are living with a life-limiting condition.

Community Fundraiser for Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, Clare Humphreys, said: “We’re so proud that two of our wonderful nurses will be Zipping the Cow for the hospice this year. All the funds raised will go towards helping us continue to provide the best possible care for people going through their hardest times.”

Entry to this year’s Zip the Cow is £27.50 with a minimum fundraising target of £50. For more information and to sign up, visit: sueryder.org/zipthecow

You can support Jodie and Hollie by making a donation on their online JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/page/jodieandhollie-zipthecow