Staff at Deangate Care Home, in Mapplewell, will be diving into the shark tank at Sea Life Blackpool on 23 July to raise money for their residents’ fund.
The team of four includes activities coordinator Rachael Addy, last year’s winner of the Community Hero Award at the Proud of Barnsley Awards.
In 2024, Rachael raised over £2,000 for the residents’ fund with a charity skydive, despite her fear of flying.
She has recruited three colleagues for this year’s fearful fundraising campaign, including senior carer Lisa Naylor, cook Cheryl Pinner, and carer Troy Hunte.
Rachael said: “How do you top jumping out of a plane? My answer is to face another fear. I have an even bigger fear of open water. I would honestly prefer to jump out of the plane again.
“The sharks don’t bother me at all. I would quite happily have afternoon tea with them. But to think I have to go into a tank where you can’t touch the floor or the sides is one of the scariest things I could ever dream of.
“So, for anyone that asks me why I do these crazy things for our residents, I would say more crazy the better if it helps provide the most amazing experiences for them.
“Some of the experiences our residents’ fund will support include bringing some of them with us to Blackpool for the shark dive, giving them to chance of going down memory lane at Blackpool Tower, where they can dance with their loved ones. We’ll also be visiting the tigers at the zoo, and other once in a lifetime experiences.
“I want the residents and everyone to know that life doesn’t end when you enter a care home, it begins again. And it can be the most incredible experience.
“This is why I will continue to do these harebrained fundraisers. Plus, this time I'm not alone. I’m bringing three of my crazy colleagues with me.”
Frances Smith, 89, a resident at Deangate Care Home, said: “When I found out what Rachael had thought of this year I couldn’t believe it. She’s even managed to get three other people involved. I don’t know how she managed that. I would be too scared to do it. It’s fantastic we are all going to Blackpool for the day too. Good luck to the ladies and gent that will be swimming with the sharks.”
Fellow resident Patricia Wroe, 89, said: “I haven't been at Deangate long but it’s amazing to see what people will do to help us residents that live here. We are so lucky to have kind people that want to do something so crazy to make our lives more special. I am happy living here, it's like a home from home.”
Pete Hardy, 76, added: “It doesn’t surprise me that Rachael is swimming with sharks. Anyone that would jump out of a perfectly good plane would then logically go into a tank of sharks for their next fundraising activity, taking three others with her. Good luck to Rachael, Lisa, Cheryl and Troy.”
The team had set an initial target of £500 for the fundraiser. Donations of any size are welcomed by the team and can be made via their JustGiving page: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rachael-addy-2?