Staff members from Mayfield View, a nursing home in Ilkley battled gale force winds and rain as they took part in ‘Zip the Cow’ charity event to raise money for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice.

The event hosted by Sue Ryder and sponsored by various local organisations, including Mayfield View which is operated by Springfield Healthcare, a Yorkshire care provider which manages six other care homes across the region, was a huge success, raising over £50,000.

Despite gusty winds, rain and plenty of nerves, three members of staff from the 80-bed care home which provides nursing, residential and dementia care took on the challenge which saw them zip line 270m from the top of the iconic ‘cow’ at the Cow and Calf rocks in Ilkley at speeds of up to 35mph.

The trepid trio raised over £1,000 for the Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice – a charity they have worked with for many years to provide palliative care to many of their residents.

Sally Carter, clinical deputy manager at Mayfield View said, “The nerves only kicked in with all the wind and rain at the top, but it was amazing fun once you jumped off. Everyone we met was so supportive and friendly and it was a well worthy charity to support.”

Residential deputy manager at Mayfield View, Jay Garraton added, “I wasn’t scared, but excited. Once I had done it, I wanted to climb up and do it again to get a better photograph.”

Joana Dower, a care assistant at the home also said, “I was nervous and excited as I’ve never done a zip line before. After I did it, I felt so happy and would have done it again!”

As Mayfield View is in close proximity to the Cow and Calf rocks, and due to such unfavourable weather, residents were able to cheer on staff from the comfort of their home as they watched from the window.