Health Matters: NHS staff take plunge for funds

Nurses, health support workers and occupational therapists from Leeds Partnerships NHS Foundation Trust will be raising funds for the technology at the Leeds hospital unit, The Becklin Centre.

The Becklin Centre provides acute mental health services to the people of Leeds. Staff at the centre want to raise funds by completing a sponsored skydive. The multi-media suite's facilities will enable patients to access the internet in hospital.

Kate Gye, Luke Smith, Lynn Belsham, Alex Irvine, Ana Perez and Steven Dilks will all be taking part in the jump.

Kate Gye instigated the event following her successful fundraising last year when

she and a colleague completed the Three Peaks challenge.

The jump will take place at Black Knights Parachute Centre in Preston on Saturday October 30. To sponsor one of the team today, or for more information go to www.leedspft.nhs.uk

Think pink

A charity volunteer group is organising a "pink walk" to help raise funds for breast cancer research.

As part of Breast Cancer Campaign's Paint the Town Pink fundraising initiative, the charity aims to turn York as pink as possible throughout October to help fund vital breast cancer research. A group of volunteers has organised a 6k sponsored walk along the city's river paths.

To help celebrate the pink month, local residents are being asked to join York's Pink Walk on Thursday, October 28, starting in Rowntree Park at 7pm. The walk, which will be specially illuminated in pink, is 10 for adults and 5 for children under 16, and includes entry, a goody bag and pink glowsticks to wear while walking. Walkers are also encouraged to wear pink on the day. Please visit www. breastcancercampaign.org/paintthetownpink, call 020 7749 3708 or email lbaskett@ breastcancercampaign.org

Volunteer call

The Children's Society LEAP project is urgently looking for local volunteers over the age of 18 to become a befriender for disabled children and young people across Leeds.

The role of a befriender is to support the disabled young person in expanding their social networks by accompanying them to a concert, sporting event or activity of their choice.

The scheme is funded by Aiming High for Disabled Children.

If you have time to spare, contact Jocelyn Ibbetson at The Children's Society LEAP project on 0113 236 3900.