Hospice at Home 'Angel' pledges to jump out of a plane
Saint Francis Hospice Nurse Julie Bull is used to going the extra mile for patients and families but now she is going 10,000ft high and skydiving to raise funds so more people can get the care they need.
Julie, a Senior Nurse with the charity’s Hospice at Home team, has joined forces with her daughter-in-law Nicole Bull, who is Head of Physics at Frances Bardsley Academy, to put Newton’s law of gravity to the test on 14th May.
“Doing a skydive has always been on my bucket list and when I saw the hospice was looking for people to sign up, I thought this was my chance to do it,” said Julie.
“I am so excited and I can’t wait until I am sitting on the edge of the plane ready to jump!
Offering my support to people in their homes
“I’ve been part of the Hospice at Home team for six years and I can honestly say it is an honour to care and support patients at the end of their life and be there to support their families.
“When we visit a patient at home, we make sure everything is in place and they have everything they need.
“It can be very sad but I know I have made a difference. I am able to spend time with families and get to know them.
Often the patient may be non-verbal when we arrive and it is lovely to speak with the family and hear their stories. It can help people so much to know there is someone there to listen to them.
“At least twice a day someone says ‘thank you’ to me and that means so much to me.”
Making a difference in the local community
Nicole is a member of Romford and Gidea Park Rugby Club and one of its players, Lynsey, was cared for by the hospice before she died in 2019. Julie cared for Lynsey at her home before she was admitted to the Hospice. You can read Lynsey's story here.
The pair, who have already smashed their fundraising target of £700 and increased it to £1,000, are hosting a quiz night to raise funds on 14th April.
“The hospice doesn’t charge people to access its services but as a charity, it relies on donations and the generosity of the local community. I’m hoping we can raise as much money as we can to help more people who need our care.”
"I can't wait to do it again"
Julie and her daughter-in-law, Nicole, completed their jump on Sunday 14th May 2023 and to date have raised over £2,600.
Julie said, "The skydive was absolutely amazing and I can't wait to do it again - next time I want to go even better and jump from 15,000 feet!
On the free-fall it seemed like you were not even moving and the view was the best ever. The staff were incredibly friendly and kept us calm the whole time. I would recommend it to everyone!"
It's not too late to donate! You can sponsor the pair by visiting their fundraising page: justgiving.com/fundraising/julieandnicole
Take to the skies
Inspired? You could join Julie and Nicole and enjoy an unforgettable experience.
