4 Aug 2023 Community

Neil Longbottom loves an adrenaline rush challenge whilst raising funds for The Kirkwood

Neil Longbottom has taken up another crazy challenge to raise funds for The Kirkwood. Having already swam with sharks, bungee jumped from unbelievable heights and rowed down a white water raft. Neil's next challenge is to complete a wing walk. 

He will complete this fantastic inspiring feat on the 25th August as he looks to raise as much funds as possible for a charity he holds close to his heart. 

The Kirkwood cared for Neil's mother Jennifer Longbottom-Hayward over a number of days before she died at the age of 61 on October 16th, 2011. Since then Neil has taken up adrenaline inspired activities and challenges to raise funds for us. 

On why The Kirkwood is close to his heart Neil said: "My mum was diagnosed with stage four cancer. She was admitted onto The Kirkwood's In-Patient Unit in October 2011 and was cared for there for a few days before she passed away. 

"The Kirkwood were amazing how they looked after mum and made her feel so comfortable in those last few days. That is something I can't ever forget." 

On his fundraising efforts so far he said: "I've done a few crazy challenges over the years raising funds for The Kirkwood, the problem is I'm now running out of things to do. Swimming with sharks was an unbelievable experience. You are in a cage with a tremendous animal next to you, you have lots of adrenaline in your body. 

"I have bungee jumped from some of the highest points in the world. The one I did in Costa Rica was 470ft above ground level with the actual jump being at 260ft. It is the highest bungee jump in central America. I've also done one at Victoria Falls, the Zambia Jump was 364ft. 

"My latest one was at Whitby and I jumped off of the only Viaduct bungee jump in the UK. I actually did two on the day, first forwards and then backwards. I was fine doing it but you still get the adrenaline." 

Neil has so far raised just under £500 but has a target of £1000 and would love to reach this by the time he does his wing walk in August. 

Looking ahead to that challenge he said: "I'm excited to do the wingwalk, the first time I do it it'll be a normal one, but hopefully after that I will get to do an aerobatic one. 

"I am really pleased with the amount I've managed to raise this time. However I'd love to get to £1000. The Kirkwood really means a lot to me and so I want to raise as much funds as possible for them to say thanks. 

If you want to donate to Neil's page please click the link HERE.