Earlier this year, 82-year-old Pauline popped her helmet on, rock climbed up a 33-foot-high wall and then abseiled back down to raise funds for Sheffield Hospitals Charity.
Pauline first heard about the charity when she signed up to be a volunteer for Sheffield Teaching Hospitals after losing her husband, Jack. As she approached her 82nd birthday, Pauline knew she wanted to fundraise for her next challenge.
“For my 70th and my daughter’s 50th we went over Bakewell in a hot air balloon, and I absolutely loved it. I then went on to do an indoor wall climb which was fun, but I realised other people had done it to raise money for charities and that hadn’t occurred to me before. I saw that the centre also offered indoor abseils and decided that would be my next one and that I’d fundraise for it.”
“When my daughter mentioned Sheffield Hospitals Charity again, I just knew it was right. My husband had been treated in the Northern General and the Royal Hallamshire. I was also treated by Charles Clifford Hospital after experiencing stress-related issues following Jack’s passing. I knew if I did anything for charity, I’d want it to be for the hospitals in Sheffield. They took such good care of Jack.”
Jack and Pauline met at an Army Depot in Didcot in 1959 when they were 17 and 22 years old; they were engaged within six months, were married 18 months later and were together for 54 years.
“I wanted to marry a tall, dark, handsome man and I did. Without the Depot, our paths may not have ever crossed. I believe things happen for a reason and he was meant to meet me. I knew and he knew that we had met our soulmate.”
Pauline was working in an administrative role and had never left Oxfordshire. Jack was from Sheffield and was enlisted there as part of National Service. They lived a good and happy life together after moving to Sheffield from Abingdon in 1966 and had two children.
Jack received care from both the Northern General Hospital and was in the Royal Hallamshire Hospital when he sadly passed away in 2016.
“I feel comforted in a way, knowing that I’ve done this and given even just a little bit back to Sheffield’s NHS and the people that took care of Jack. I still miss him every day.”
When asked about whether she has any advice for potential future fundraisers, she said, “As long as you feel okay in yourself to do it, then think positively and absolutely go for it. Every little helps and I was blown away by how many people wanted to support me.
When I first started fundraising, I was quite happy to try and reach £100 as I didn’t know how many people would be able to sponsor me. When I made it to £200, I thought that was great and at £300 I thought, wow what a lovely surprise! £400 is unbelievable and I’m just so grateful.
The team at Sheffield Hospitals Charity have been absolutely lovely, so kind and helpful. I was dead chuffed when I got my proper charity t-shirt for the abseil. Lauren has called and checked in with me regularly which has been amazing. Honestly, I’d say just go for it!”
Pauline’s made no promises about what’s next to come for her, but she’s definitely not finished in her adventures. “I have always wanted to do a zipwire…!”
If Pauline’s story has inspired you, whether that is to abseil, host a bake sale, or get your running trainers on, you can visit our Fundraising page here or contact the charity team who would love to hear about your ideas.
Published: Thursday 19th of September 2024