‘IF THE PATIENTS CAN DO WHAT THEY DO, I CAN DO A SKYDIVE’

NHS worker is raising cash for the Royal Stoke

A Kind-hearted NHS worker is doing a skydive to raise money for the hospital where she works.

Olivia Fanthorpe, aged 26, from Newcastle, initially started as an apprentice working in the Royal Stoke University Hospital’s office.

But when she saw the work doctors do with stroke patients, she was inspired to return to college and get her A-levels.

She is now a therapy technician, and will be attending Derby University next year to do her degree.

Olivia said: “I work on Ward 127, but I used to work in the offices for neurology, so I said I would fundraise for both.

“When I was exposed to the people and the doctors, it completely inspired me to get a better job and a better career and I will always work for the NHS, because I love it so much.”

Olivia has worked at the hospital throughout the pandemic.

She said: “I have a role as a therapy technician but I have worked in healthcare and everyone helped the patients in whatever way they can.

“I just thought we’re coming out of everything now and I want to raise some money for the wards.”

Olivia is apprehensive about the skydive – which will take place on December 11 – but determined.

She said: “I am committed to doing it now. I was a bit frightened at first, and I am very scared now.

“But I think if these patients can do what they do then I can do a skydive.

“It is something you don’t do every day.

“Working with stroke patients has changed my life.

“I didn’t have that much ambition, but when I got into the hospital environment and saw the people working at different levels, I thought there’s more I can do with my life. I can make a difference.”