Care Home Staff Member Is Ready to “Zip” Ahead In Charity Challenge
Claire Hilton, Business Administration Manager at Virginia Water Care Home, is gearing up to “zip” through the skies on the world’s fastest zip line in Snowdonia on Thursday 12th September.
Claire is on a mission to raise £1,000 for the PSP Association (PSPA), the only UK charity dedicated to creating a better future for everyone affected by Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD).
Claire’s personal connection to this cause makes her fundraising efforts even more significant. Just a year ago, she was celebrating her mother’s 80th birthday.
Now, her mother, Eve Hilton, is severely unwell, having suffered three strokes and been diagnosed with PSP, resulting in being looked after by two carers four-times a day.
PSP progressively damages brain cells in areas responsible for movement and coordination. Over time, it impairs walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily tasks and can lead to complications like pneumonia and severe difficulty swallowing.
The PSPA estimates there are around 4,000 people with PSP living in the UK. But it’s thought the true figure could be much higher as many cases may be misdiagnosed. Most cases of PSP develop in people who are over the age of 60.
Currently, there is no cure, and treatment focuses on managing these debilitating symptoms.
Claire remarked, “In my mum’s case, it has been very progressive as she can no longer walk or even say what she wants to say, and trying to get her to eat has become difficult. She’s had the condition for a long time but it’s difficult to diagnose as the symptoms cross over with other health conditions. I’ve recently learnt it is a form of Parkinsonism.”
Having already completed a skydive and a wing walk, Claire is now pushing her limits with the fastest zip line in the word and longest in Europe, Velocity at ZipWorld in North Wales, which reaches speeds of over 100mph.
“This is the scariest challenge I’ve ever taken on, but it’s worth it if it means contributing to the fight against this devastating condition.” Claire said.
She continued, “I don’t want others to suffer like my poor mum currently is so I want to raise some money for PSPA.”
Virginia Water Care Home, which is in Virginia Water and part of the Avery Healthcare Group, is rallying behind Claire, encouraging donations to help her reach her £1,000 fundraising goal.
Ewa Jaworska, Home Manager at Virginia Water Care Home, is one of the people helping to raise vital donations for the important cause. She said, “Claire’s dedication to this cause is truly inspiring. We encourage everyone to support her effort by donating to her fundraising campaign. Every pound helps us get closer to a world where we can find a cure for PSP and CBD.”
Every contribution will support PSPA’s mission to improve lives, fund research, and ultimately find a cure for PSP and CBD.
To support Claire’s challenge, please visit her JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/claire-hilton-zipline12092024.
