STAFF from a Darlington care home are taking on a zip wire charity challenge to raise funds for a cause close to their hearts.
Four staff members from the Willow Green Care Home in Darlington will travel to Newcastle, where they'll zip across the River Tyne to raise funds for Dementia UK.
Thrillseekers Lynn Bell, Richard Maddison, Nicola Laycock and Katie Dresser will zip from the Tyne Bridge across the River Tyne in a bid to help dementia patients throughout the UK.
The challenge, hosted by Zip Slides UK, begins 30 metres above the river and travels diagonally some 230 metres, before finishing at HMS Calliope on the Gateshead side.
The team's decision to support Dementia UK was influenced by the number of elderly dementia sufferers in their care.
Ms Laycock said: "We work with dementia patients in our specialised unit on a daily basis and with Dementia UK.
"We see firsthand the wonderful work they do, so we wanted to give something back."
She added: "I lost my grandad to this terrible disease and this is my way of doing something for him.
"It's important for us to change the negative perception around dementia.
"We are trying to get a different message across - life doesn't end when you're diagnosed with dementia."
The zip wire challenge will take place on Sunday, June 7 from 3.30pm and is one of many events hosted by staff to raise money for the charity and the home's residents' fund.
Future events include a garden fete, raffles and coffee mornings as well as the 'Party in the Car Park' event, taking place on Saturday, June 20.
To donate, visit justgiving.com/willowgreen2015
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