Sisters join forces with 50-themed fundraisers to enhance end-of-life care

Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital research nurse Joanne Jones is taking on a series of 50-themed fundraising events to celebrate her 50th birthday this year …with a little help from her sisters!

Joanne and sisters Teresa Poole, a sonographer at North Devon District Hospital and Sara Holland, a receptionist at South Molton Health Centre, have more than 75 years working in local healthcare between them.

In June, the trio completed a 50-mile walk of the Coleridge Way across the Quantocks and Exmoor, and next month, Joanne will be taking on the South West Coast 50 Challenge, between Dunster Castle and Minehead.

But before then, on July 28, the sisters are holding a charity disco at The Waie Inn in Zeal Monachorum near North Tawton.

Together, Joanne from Crediton, Teresa from Barnstaple, and Sara from South Molton, are hoping to raise £1,000 for hospital charity Over & Above, Cancer Research UK, North Devon Hospice and Hospicare, which have all provided end-of-life care for their parents, in-laws and friends.

“As well as it being my 50th birthday, this year is the 10th anniversary of the death of our father, who died at home, where we could support him as per his final wishes,” said Joanne, who turned 50 in May.

“We were lucky that we could do this with our skills, but we realise other families are not so lucky, so we’re raising money to support end-of-life care at hospital, as well as at home and the hospice.”

For tickets for the charity disco at The Waie Inn, email joannejones13@nhs.net

To sponsor Joanne and her sisters’ fundraising efforts, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/joanne-jones-cancer-fundraising.