Sheffield girl Gayle is reaching for sky for latest fundraising venture

Gayle Dooley has already bagged an abseil, done a half-marathon and braved a firewalk for Sheffield Churches Council for Community Care (SCCCC).

But now she has set her sights even higher, with a post-lockdown skydive already in the offing.

Gayle, 45, from Wadsley, says she was inspired to raise cash for the charity having seen first-hand the vital care it provides isolated older people in her role as a home support worker.

She said: “People don’t realise what SCCCC is about, and the incredible work they do with older people in the community.

“I am very aware of the need for support for older people in my work.

“That’s why I do crazy things like run half marathons, abseil 140 feet and do fire walks to raise money.

“Each year, SCCCC do an amazing job to support thousands of people over the age of 65 through their schemes.

“I’m not a thrill seeker, so a skydive will be way out of my comfort zone.

“I am scared but I am always willing to be brave to raise money to help those in need.”

So far Gayle has raised £1,000, with a further £350 in the pot for the skydive, which the charity hopes will now take place towards the end of the year.

SCCCC was set up in October 1966 by church members of all denominations from across Sheffield, but has today expanded to support older people of different faiths and secular groups from across the city.

It thrives on its strong community links and works alongside the council, NHS and all church denominations to achieve its mission of improving the wellbeing of older people in Sheffield.

SCCCC works closely with the statutory agencies in Sheffield to provide a network of support for mainly older people, their carers and families

Most of its work helps older people in their own homes and supports them if they are admitted to or discharged from hospital, or living in a residential home.

To add to Gayle’s fundraising target, click here or to donate directly to SCCCC, click here.